Abba Adoptions: OCTOBER ROADSHOW

Spreading the message across to Limpopo

From Bakenberg to Kgwana - Three Abba staff members journeyed out to the Limpopo Province on an adoption services road show between 9 – 11 October 2013.

In partnership with the Department of Social Development, our team represented the National Adoption Coalition (NACSA) in hosting 5 sessions. “We really got into the communities at grassroots level, and our training took us into places such as the Thohoyandou Social Development Centre and the Giyani Community Hall,” said Abba Program Director, Katinka Pieterse. “The purpose of the road show is to create greater awareness among communities on adoption as a family based permanent option for children in need of care and protection.”

Each session attracted about fifty community members ranging from teachers and hospital staff to church and traditional leaders as well as social workers. The roadshow forms part of a Community Engagement Programme, supporting the behavioural change needed in our society, to ensure that we are putting the needs and rights of our orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children first.

Igniting community understanding through training

Insight and sharing about the issues and realities surrounding unplanned pregnancies and abandonment, give influencers in each community a lasting awareness about adoption - including important training in option counselling for people working in related industries.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world – Mahatma Gandhi

“Day 2 - and we feel a real connection with the two groups we have trained to date. There are thousands of children that could benefit from adoption. It is important that people in communities start to talk about this important issue. We need to lead the change needed in our society, to embrace adoption as the best permanent solution for children, outside of their family.”

Adoption = an act of love

The National Adoption Coalition was formed in March 2011, as a representative body for the adoption community. Nationally NACSA will continue to increase its reach and presence in the regions of South Africa. It is a critical step in unifying and empowering our communities and our society, to create positive and permanent change in the lives of our children.

The training facility