events

EVENTS
New website for survivors of clergy abuse

A new website ' Walking Towards the Light; Healing from sexual abuse by clergy for clergy sex abuse survivors goes lives from 1 August 2007. www. walkingtowardlight.org by the author of a book of the same name, Krystyna Smith

The creators of the website, Smith and Dominic Haarhoff donated seventy eight fruit trees to children's AIDS organisation, Nkosi's Haven, with irrigation and fertiliser, "as a growing, life-giving tribute to the suffering and courage of thousands of survivors of sexual abuse by clergy, worldwide." Smith said: "Trees give life and sustenance. They bear fruit, reminding us that we can do the same, in spite of the profound harm caused by rape and sexual abuse. They are symbolic of endurance; of the capacity all of us have to continue growing even when awful things happen to us or when we have experienced grievous wrongs and violations against us. The donation of trees is also a reminder of our capacity to reach out to others even in our own suffering. In planting trees we help others, at the same time giving back to our beloved earth so in need have healing from the ravages of humankind's selfishness and greed."
Plant a tree in the name of a survivor
We invite you to plant a tree in the name of a survivor of sex abuse by clergy, who perhaps have told only his or her family, or only one trusted person. Together we can create a 'forest of truth', a testimony that the problem of sexual abuse by clergy is not about a few isolated cases, and won't go away by itself. Suggested projects. Nkosis' Haven, or Trees for Life.

Nkosi's Haven (www.nkosishaven.co.za | www.nkosi.africa.com)

When Nkosi Johnson died at age 12, on June Ist, 2001, he was the longest surviving child born HIV positive. This courageous little boy fought for the rights of the HIV positive. He won the hearts of millions of people when his address at the 13th International Aids Conference in South Africa was televised world wide. Then 11, he had written the speech himself.
Nkosi's Haven was founded in 1999 by his foster mother, Gail Johnson, in his honour and in memory of his biological mother who was unable to look after him. Today Nkosi's Haven has expanded to include projects which provide People with Aids with care and employment in communal environments. The donation of fruit trees is to a Nkosi's Haven farm outside Vereeniging, South Africa, currently being set up on a kibbutz style of living, and to Nkosi's Haven Village, which accommodates 100 moms and 183 children.