Stride Bulletin Week 5/6: we are almost there!

We're counting our steps in many different ways   ...... 

​1. Wyatt and Henry are counting their steps, their skating and their skiing!
2. David is walking with his family at Westminster Pier Park
3. The 50K gang (Barbara, Theresa, Ruth, Dale, Judy and Vreny) get a
     get a step up on training!
4  Glenice, Geraldine, Claire, Elizabeth and Linda step out at Pat Bay
5. Oscar and Miles take to the air in support of the Grandmothers
6. Jocelyn caught the beauty of Butchart Gardens while counting her steps. 

......  such amazing ways to enjoy our Spring weather!
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​Week 5 has finished and week 6 is almost done. We are heading to the finish line.  Our total leading up to the end of week 6 is 8750 kilometers.  This week we passed by another great project supported by the Stephen Lewis Foundation and to steal a line from the Knowledge Network…”and by people like you!”
As we head to the last few weeks of our fun’raising event here are a few reminders. 

• For those who have had family and friends support them using the paper pledge sheet, please remember that cheques need to be made out to Victoria Grandmothers for Africa.
• Pledge money can be given to Yvonne McLean at the meeting on April 3rd or brought to our Stride Virtual Walk wind-up on April 22

ZAMBIA
CHILDREN IN DISTRESS NETWORK (CINDI)

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MISSION:  Networking and capacity building contextually with the purpose of improving the lives of children and caregivers using methods that are children centred and a specific focus on child participation
VISION: CINDI aims to ensure children and caregivers access their constitutional rights through processes of collaboration leading to community driven action
CINDI News
Stephen Lewis Foundation has been a major partner in supporting grandmothers that CINDI identifies for support. In 2010, 2011 and 2012 Stephen Lewis in partnership with CINDI provided support to 50 grandparents aimed at building resilience through strengthening grandparents skill in income generating activities (IGAS) and education support for orphans and vulnerable children left in the care of grandparents. 
 
Eleven grandparents in Luangwa Malembeka received grants of one million (K1, 000, 000) each in order for them to start up or scale up their business ventures. The 11 grandparents were initially identified by the Luangwa Community leaders and verified by CINDI project staffs. These 11 grandmothers had earlier on received training in basic IGA management and had written simple business plans to communicate the IGA ventures they would embark on once given the funds.

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SOUTH AFRICA
Grandmothers Against Poverty and AIDS (GAPA)
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Gladys and Daisy who visited Victoria for the book launch work with GAPA
Workshops are held each month for grandmothers who are new to the project where they learn about HIV infection and AIDS. Practical skills to overcome effects of the pandemic on households are taught. The workshops cover topics such as HIV/AIDS and cancer awareness, vegetable gardening, human rights, elder abuse, death and bereavement, drawing up a will and business skills. Grandmothers are also invited to attend support groups held in area representatives’ homes once a week.
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GAPA’s motto is ‘together we are stronger’ and the aim is to draw on the inherent strength of the grandmothers in the community to bring lasting change and hope.

GAPA’s main activities include:
    Workshops and training for grandmothers
    Income generation activities (gardening and making of crafts)                          Aftercare service for vulnerable children
    Support groups; Monthly Indabas/meetings;
​    Advocacy and community involvement

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