SHOUT and The SmilingOne Foundation walks hand in hand for a SAFER South Africa

I was deeply humbled by the amazing SHOUT Event and the generous donation from The SHOUT Foundation towards the work we do in prisons. What a privilege it is to walk the journey with such inspiring and truly committed souls - all with a deep LOVE for their country! All walking with great integrity!

I am SO inspired!

We can do so much MORE when we do it TOGETHER!!!

Thank you SHOUT!

IN GRATITUDE
Karina

Preparing for Jo'Burg Visit - Walking In Unity

Each step of the journey is an opportunity to walk in UNITY. My preparation for Monday's visit to Johannesburg to attend the Year End Function of The SHOUT Foundation has been another testimony of this.



Many helping hands have ensured that my travel is affordable and comfortable. I am reminded how important it is to ask and allow others an opportunity to step in and help. We are not meant to walk alone!

A special thank you to Debbie Prins - You are an Angel - to everyone who so lovingly has offered helping hands AND to The SHOUT Foundation. I look forward to meet up with all of you tomorrow in Jo'Burg.

Happy Sunday Everyone!

IN GRATITUDE
Karina

Empty Spaces

...and then there are days for reflection. It has been some very busy weeks on the road where so much has been achieved, many new connections has been made and 'bridges build', relationships has been nurtured and each day we recommit to what we do...

Love is our Essence

Guidance our Passion

I am reminded that the journey is not just about being on the road all the time... it is also asking us to stop and rest in between, to observe and listen and to allow 'Empty Spaces'. The past few days I have silenced and listened. Nothing stops because you stop for a moment. Each time I embrace those empty spaces I am so humbled. This is where the bigger picture reveals itself to me and where inspiration finds me - because I am silent enough to listen and embrace it. When running fast we are not always able to or open to listening and absorbing what knocks on our door.

Deep deep gratitude to my SmilingOne Team/Family... there is me without you! I am in AWE of your journeys and feel so privileged to walk this path with you - hand in hand, heart by heart!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

IN GRATITUDE
Karina

Strategy meeting with NADC

Good Morning Cape Town... and the rest of the World.

Today Meeghan and I are in Nyanga - the SmilingOne Team is meeting with the Nyanga Arts Development Centre (NADC) to continue our dialogue around the vision for the Nyanga Community, the extension of the centre to accommodate space for our programmes and the CIRCLE OF CHANGE.




This is the wish list that we have compiled for extension of the infrastructure: We are looking for...

• Three 12m x 3m containers to be used for a SmilingOne Office and Workshop Space in Nyanga, the SWOP SHOP (recycling programme) and our Community Kitchen (cooking classes etc)
• Furnishing of the containers.
• Office: Full Equipment
• 10 computers (computer litteracy courses, educational training etc), desks, chairs...
• Kitchen: Fridge, stove etc.

Until then NADC has availed a space within their existing office to accommodate SmilingOne. Thabo Makhanya (SmilingOne Re-Integration) will be running our Nyanga Office - assisted by Chris Plum and Farouk Ulueme (SmilingOne Responsibility Coach Students / Re-Integration Team).

We also spoke about our upcoming holiday programme - to begin December 13. More on this later.

Happy Thursday Everone!

In Gratitude
Karina

Strong Partnerships in Rehabilitation

I have just returned after two days of truly remarkable dialogue in a regional meeting with the 11 DCS management areas in the Western Cape, lead by Regional Head of Development and Care Ms Kokong.


Meeghan and I are arriving at the Drakenstein Prison where we are invited to present the impact that we as SmilingOne (with our programme/process THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL) have had the past three years within DCS.

The impact was evident as we arrived that morning. An inmate was busy polishing the statue of Madiba at the entrance to the prison. After we took the photo (above) he asked me: 'Are you Karine?' He repeated his question. I replied and he then continued: 'I was in Goodwood Prison. I got the book. I have it with me.' What a stunning welcome to a prison where we have not yet been with the process - well at least not officially. This man has however brought it with him. Because it meant something special to him.

As I made the presentation that morning to the 11 management areas I highlighted this special meeting as Meeghan and I arrived. And even if our statistics show that we had 104 Graduates and 20 Coaches/Students within our programme the past few years there are several hundreds inmates who have benefitted. Yes, they may not have 'graduated' due to certain circumstances - like this inmate who was transferred to Drakenstein. Each one is still a huge success. Each one with a very special journey. One never knows what a single moment, a few weeks or months can do in a persons life. This inmate was a wonderful testimony of exactly this.

Over the two days we heard quite a few presentation from other stakeholders / service providers who operate within DCS in one or more of the management areas. It was fruitful to learn about their approaches, their achievements and also their challenges. Each challenge is an opportunity for learning and growth.

I was in awe of the dialogue that DCS invited us into. There was a genuine interest to learn from all of us and to renew the vows of the partnerships in rehabilitation, walking in unity as we build a safe and healthy South Africa.

I feel truly proud that we as SmilingOne walk in partnership with DCS. We have the past two days strengthened this partnership, we have build bridges and connected with wonderful people within the department. I enjoyed the openness, the willingness to learn and grow and the re-commitment from everyone's side.

Also a special thank you to Ms Kokong. SmilingOne will now go through the Regional Clearance to expand beyond the four prisons where we are currently active (Brandvlei Maximum Prison, Brandvlei Juvenile, Goodwood Medium and our latest is Worcester Medium - just got the green light).



And a special thank you to Mr. Freddie Engelbrecht - deputy regional commissioner (picture).

I look forward to keep everyone posted on the journey as we continue living our passion in SmilingOne - sharing SMILES and touching HEARTS ; ) We are soon starting our fourth year in the partnership with DCS. It is a privilege!

In Gratitude
Karina

Two days DCS Stakeholder Meeting in Drakenstein

Meeghan and I will be spending Tuesday and Wednesday in Drakenstein - attending the DCS Stakeholder Meeting, where we as SmilingOne are presenting THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL and the impact the programme has had within correctional institutions.

This is such a wonderful opportunity to showcase our work and to build strong relationships and partnerships in rehabilitation. We can do so much MORE when we do it TOGETHER!

I would love for DCS to support a regional - or even national clearance of our programme. And there are a few more points on my list...

More in two days!!!

Have A Stunning Week!

In Gratitude
Karina

At Goodwood Medium Prison Today

Each day is an opportunity to discover so much more of ourselves, of each other and of this wonderful world of possibility. And it is often in the darkest of places that we discover the brightest light... the light we all carry within!

We are ALL DIAMONDS! Most of us have just forgotten.

THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL is a reminder and invites you to consciously participate in the creation of your life.



Happy Monday Everyone!

In Gratitude
Karina

Quarterly Reports ensures Transparency

Sunday we travelled far... not on the road, but on paper : )

Quarterly Reports (3rd Quarter) for each process: Brandvlei Maximum Prison, Goodwood Medium Prison and for our Youth & Community Building Process in Nyanga are ready to be viewed via our website. End of the year reports for Brandvlei Juvenile and Worcester Medium will be added as well.

One essential key in 'Community Building' is transparency! It ensures that all our 'partners in community building' can follow the processes and it gives a wonderful overview of what is being achieved.

We have reports that go back to beginning of 2008 when we started our first Community Building Process with THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL - in Brandvlei Maximum Prison.

Have A Stunning Week Everyone!

In Gratitude
Karina

We all have a HUG to share

Another stunning day in Nyanga with the Youth. It touched me deeply. I am reminded - again - of what truly matters. It is the time we share, just being there and the many many many hugs we give... it is all about LOVE! Makes heart SING!


This is what I take with me for the rest of the weekend. Joyfulness and to cherish each moment as it is truly special!

Share a SMILE, touch a HEART!

Have a wonderful weekend!
In Gratitude
Karina

OUR UPCOMING SHOWCASING/FUNDRAISING EVENT

Every Saturday we are sharing and caring with Nyanga Youth. We are having FUN preparing for our upcoming event. Showcasing what we have achieved the past 6 months and inviting YOU to walk the journey with us. SHARING IS CARING!

OUR EVENT: 'REFLECTIONS'


You are in for a colourful treat - a cultural showcasing of dance, drama and music with a taste of traditional food, all to tantilise the senses.

Please come along on Saturday morning on December 4th - 10am to 1pm - to see the SmilingOne Youth and Re-Integration Team in action. Tickets are R100 each which goes towards building the Nyanga Community Projects.

Send us an Email to purchase Tickets!

Happy Saturday Everyone!

IN GRATITUDE
Karina

Today in meeting with Department of Community Safety

I had an interesting meeting with Norman Jantjies whos specific area within Community Safety is Gangs and all issues relating to this - within areas such as Nyanga where we are already active with the Youth. Nyanga was only two years back high ranking as number one on the list of murders committed - sometimes up to 35 a week within the community.

Our focus today was to explore the synergy and how SmilingOne can assist, also in gang related issues. Many of the people we work with (inside prison especially) do have a past in gangsterism. They often share how they turned to gangs when it seemed as if there was nothing else to turn to - it became their 'family' and a way of survival. Utilizing their knowledge, their skills and the changed path they are walking with THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL - also upon release - can be exactly what is needed to inspire our communities and manage/prevent crime. It is important to know our options and that there are people who care!

The Dept of Community has asked us to prepare a proposal to be presented to them beginning of February 2011- with focus on Gangs in Nyanga - to be run as a one year pilot (next to our already existing initiative which also addresses and deals with similar issues - reaching youth before they decide to involve themselves in gangs and crime).

I will keep you posted!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Share a SMILE, touch a HEART : )
In Gratitude
Karina

Today in Parliament

THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL is paving the way for stunning partnerships in rehabilitation,in re-integration and in youth/community safety and development. We must invest in these partnerships and build bridges - walking hand in hand, heart by heart. This is our country... our future!

Infront of Parliament this morning.

My meeting today with Mike Ramagoma (Ministry - Dept of Correctional Services) in Parliament was an amazing one! He embraced the work we are doing with a lot of interest and great appreciation.

Focus today was to ask the Ministry for active involvement and support - also in the arena of attracting funds to sustain and expand both regionally and nationally. We discovered the first elements of a shared vision which both the Ministry and SmilingOne will pursue. Many more strategic meetings are to be held to explore the potential of the partnership and to take action...

• This will lead to more prisons benefitting from THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL, more coaches being trained (inside / outside prison), a support structure for re-integration with THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL which is a direct link to our youth and community development initiatives and the CIRCLES OF CHANGE.
  
  
• It will also lead to THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL being translated into both Xhosa and Afrikaans (to begin with) to give everyone an opportunity to benefit!

SmilingOne is committed to continue to inspire Society - also through our online platform - and I have asked the Ministry for their full support and endorsement of this 'Window to our Initiative' as it will assist us in:

1. Inspiring Hope
   People are in dire need of inspiration to ignite that fire of hope, beginning to trust that we are walking towards a bright future where we can rehabilitate offenders and re-integrate them into society. And not stopping there – making use of these changed people for crime prevention and management within their communities upon release. They will inspire youth, families and whole communities to embrace change and walk the journey as responsible individuals through their own living example.
   
   
2. Shedding light on positive partnerships in rehabilitation
   We at SmilingOne know that none of us can walk this journey alone. We will only succeed when we join hands, when we walk shoulder by shoulder and heart by heart. We have the past three years experienced heartfelt commitment from DCS, the management of different prisons, the members/officials and the inmates. This is worth mentioning and showcasing – our example can serve as great inspiration in society and inspire many more to take loving action for our country.
   
   
3. Creating Awareness
   People who walk the path of change and responsible living automatically inspire others to do the same! EVERYONE can be touched and inspired by simply following the process. This is what assists us in building awareness and shifting mindsets. We may not know exactly what makes us take the next step to invite responsibility into our lives. It could be one of the guys in Brandvlei Maximum sharing of his journey with THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL that sparks that light within us and leads us, a ‘total stranger’, to embark on a new and truly rewarding journey!
   
   
4. Attracting Sponsorships
   An essential part which SmilingOne relies on due to the huge impact the programme has had the past three years and continues to have. We simply cannot do it on our own anymore. This has become an opportunity to invite a whole Society to partner with us in rehabilitation, re-integration and community development. That in itself is a huge gift - to ask for a helping hand! ONE SOCIETY!

Happy Thursday Everyone!

In Gratitude
Karina

Prison Day

Today I am at Brandvlei Maximum and Brandvlei Juvenile Prison. Ivan and Shawn are excited to join me. Here half way up the mountain on our way to Worcester...

Many inside prison are from areas such as Nyanga and surrounding townships like Gugulethu, Philippi, Crossroads etc. - areas where both Ivan and Shawn grew up and where we have activated the CIRCLE OF CHANGE since October 2009.

What a wonderful opportunity for us all. To be in those Circles of Sharing in prison cannot easily be explained in words. It is so much more powerful when you are there - it is MINDBLOWING and such a humbling experience! And it reminds us of how much we can do for our communities and that there is hope! Change IS possible... and for each SMILE we share we touch a HEART!

In LOVING ACTION
for our beautiful South Africa

Ivan & Shawn are preparing themselves for the big prison day!

It is such a privilege to walk this journey hand in hand with Ivan and Shawn. They are both committed to themselves and their personal journeys - and they are highly committed to their community! They are not just having wonderful ideas for community building... they are taking action and inspiring those around them. Action speaks louder than words!

We have just enjoyed a lovely dinner together, lots of sharing and caring here in Muizenberg where I live and tomorrow is the big prison day. They are both so excited.

A stunning morning here in Cape Town

Ready for a new day of sharing SMILES and touching HEARTS!

Today we are picking up the donation from CTICC. They have kindly given us all their 'Lost n Found Property' - to be used in our upcoming SWOP SHOP Recycling Programme (buy with waste) in the Nyanga Township.

Then I will pick up three of our Youth Community Builders 'in training' in Nyanga. Ivan, Shawn and Chumani will be spending some time with me in Muizenberg, brainstorming community building ideas, focus on their personal journey and development and tomorrow they will join me in both Brandvlei Maximum and Juvenile Prisons.

It is often through others that we discover our own GREATness!

Happy Tuesday Everyone!
In Gratitude
Karina

Today at Goodwood Medium Prison

We have 1 (new) + 3 groups active with part 1 of THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL and one group with part 2. We clime out of boxes of perception / limitation and explore possibility - truly liberating when we discover that we actually can choose. And as we recommit to ourselves and our values we begin to LIVE a life with PURPOSE!

'What makes sense can be pursued'

Happy Monday Everyone!
In Gratitude
Karina

A stunning Saturday with Nyanga Youth - November 13th 2010!

We, The SmilingOne Foundation, have been active in the Nyanga Community since October 2009 with our very successful Re-Integration Programme. In July 2010 we began our first Youth, Family and Educational Programme in the community - based upon THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL.

We cater for up to 100 kids every Saturday.

Sharing SMILES,
Touching HEARTS!

Thorp Motor Group gives The SmilingOne Foundation a helping hand!

Only a few days ago I went knocking on the door of Nicky Thorp at THORP MOTOR GROUP in Plumstead, Cape Town. I knew that I only had a few days left... then I would be without a proper vehicle, which would impact the many programmes that the SmilingOne Team and I are facilitating for a healthier, greener and safer South Africa here in the Western Cape. Two days later Thorp availed their brandnew Chevrolet Spark to assist!

The beginning of a wonderful journey together...

Thank you Nicky and the Thorp Team. I have met so much caring from all of you and feel so privileged to walk this journey with you. We can do so much MORE when we do it TOGETHER!

I am starting this diary to take everyone with me in the SPARK to all the stunning processes and adventures that SmilingOne is part of here in South Africa. I have no doubt that you will enjoy the ride : )

Buggle up...