Non-profit aha Africa launched by Vivienne Cannan as a way to tell the stories of people in South Africa doing good during the lockdown in a podcast format.
South Africa (30 July 2020) – aha Africa is a non-profit initiative born weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic and is a podcast platform sharing real stories, with real people doing remarkable things during the COVID-19 crisis.
“The idea to create this platform arose during the initial weeks of lockdown when I began seeing stories, random acts of kindness and donation appeals being shared across various social media platforms. I recognised quickly the need to create a platform to help raise further awareness for those serving on the frontline of the pandemic – to share their stories and to tell us what is needed most on the frontline at this time.”, says Vivienne Cannan, founder of the platform.
aha Africa allows people the opportunity to hear the stories and initiatives from those working tirelessly on the frontline, gives insights into their daily plight, and shares ways that people can help/contribute if they so wish. It also offers stories that uplift and inspires people doing amazing work for vulnerable animals and people at this time of the pandemic.
“Creating aha Africa has been scary, daunting and massively challenging to say the least, but the need to help raise awareness far outweighs any of my own personal doubts and insecurities. I have been truly humbled by those risking their own personal health every day to be of service to our Nation’s most vulnerable (people and animals) as well as those using their own business skills and expertise to give back to our communities, not only during this pandemic, but for some even beyond” says Vivienne.
If you would like to learn more about the aha Africa podcast please visit: http://ahaafrica.com/.
Some of the podcasts recorded by aha Africa to-date can be found below.
Podcast #1: Brenda is a volunteer working in the Lakeside CAN group.
This group is working tirelessly within the local communities to help alleviate hunger and suffering at this time. Their donations have helped towards feeding 80 000 (of which 32 000 are children) of the most vulnerable people daily who live in the one square kilometre area of Vrygrond. Hear more: https://ahaafrica.com/#c1
#2: Lorraine is a social worker serving her community
Lorraine (along with others) and is currently helping to co-ordinate 32 feeding stations. Lorraine will uplift and inspire you with her attitude towards work and she urgently appeals to anyone who can help towards alleviating hunger and suffering. Hear more: https://ahaafrica.com/#c2
#3 Grabouw Animal Welfare Society
The Grabouw Animal Welfare Society are desperate! They help animals in the local informal settlement of Grabouw as well as on farms and in the surrounding rural areas. Many animal owners are not working and not earning wages as a result of the pandemic, meaning they are unable to feed themselves as well as their animals. Many of the animals within these communities are very loved (and wanted) but these are desperate times. Hear more: https://ahaafrica.com/#c3
#4 Debbie Webber is an attorney based in Cape Town
Debbie Webber specialises in debt. Her way of giving back to the community at this time of the pandemic is an offering of one, free hour consultation, for anyone who needs her expert advice. She encourages people to use the lockdown period to get organised by getting their personal affairs in order and to be proactive in facing current or imminent debt. Hear more: https://ahaafrica.com/#c4
#5 Lita Currie, owner of the business 3 Stickmen
Lita Currie has played a significant role in helping to educate people in the rural areas and informal settlements of South Africa on Covid19 by creating memes. They are teaching people through pictures how to stay safe during the pandemic and are now reaching as far afield as Malawi. Hear more: https://ahaafrica.com/#c5
#6 Avocado Vision
Avocado Vision is working closely with the government on pioneering Green initiatives that will create sustainable work post Covid19. Hear their amazing story as well as their appeal for others to get involved: https://ahaafrica.com/#c6
Podcast #8 Ladles of Love
Ladles of Love is a non-profit that has been feeding the homeless and hungry in Cape Town, South Africa for several years but with Covid19 now impacting South Africa, the demand to feed so many more hungry people have called for them to increase their operations significantly. They are supplying tonnes of food weekly across the Western Cape and on Mandela Day broke a world record when the people of Cape Town made a total of 304,583 sandwiches, within an hour, for people in need. Hear their story and what they are doing at this time of pandemic to help alleviate hunger and suffering. They are true heroes in the pandemic and their work is the epitome of love in action: http://ahaafrica.com/#c8
#9 Tourism in my blood Facebook group.
With an estimated 7.5 million South African’s in the Tourism Industry affected by the pandemic, many people have lost their incomes and livelihoods overnight. Greg Smith and Richard de la Rey started the Tourism in my blood Facebook group to bring together like-minded people within the Travel Industry both locally and abroad. The group offers support & networking opportunities with the focus on getting the industry back up and thriving again, coming through COVID, caring now and beyond. Hear their uplifting and inspiring story: https://ahaafrica.com/#c9
#11 Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation
Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation needs funds to keep education and conservation efforts going during COVID. Our future Marine life depends on their work. Their passion is truly contagious and their message simple – join the Foundation Family by doing their online courses in Marine Biology or join as a monthly member to gain access to incredible marine education and experiences for the whole family. With schools recently closed again, parents might be interested to know their courses are inline with the school curriculum and are also tax-deductible. This story will uplift and inspire! http://ahaafrica.com/#c11
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