The 46664 Bangle is the official bracelet engraved with Nelson Mandela's prisoner number, 46664, and a laser image of his hand. 46664 is a symbol for Mr. Mandela's global charity efforts and humanitarian work, including the prevention of HIV AIDS. Every sale of a 46664 Bangle contributes funds to this campaign, creates jobs, and continues the message of social responsibility worldwide. Buy the Bangle, Change a Life.

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Archive for the ‘HIV AIDS’ Category

National Women’s Day in South Africa – See Impact on Wellbeing of Children

Monday, August 9th, 2010

As South Africa celebrates its women today, and acknowledges the important role they play as they juggle family, business and social responsibilities, we found this Unicef report on how the world’s children are impacted by the way their mothers are treated.

The report focuses on the discrimination and disempowerment women face throughout their lives and how that impacts children’s lives. Key messages:

  • Gender equality and the well-being of children go hand in hand.
  • Gender equality furthers the cause of child survival and development.
  • Gender equality produces a double dividend: It benefits both women and children
  • Healthy, educated and empowered women have healthy, educated and confident daughters and sons.
  • Gender equality will not only empower women to overcome poverty and live full and productive lives, but will better the lives of children, families and countries as well.
  • Gender equality is not only morally right, it is pivotal to human progress and sustainable development
  • Promoting gender equality and empowering women will contribute to reducing poverty and hunger, saving children’s lives, improving maternal health, ensuring universal education, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Happy Women’s Day to the women of the world, particularly those in South Africa who proudly work on the 46664 Bangle project. The 46664 Bangle project makes a direct difference in the lives of others.  In the words of one of the ladies on the 46664 Bangle team, “The bangles are made so that [Nelson Mandela’s] selfless contribution should be known by everyone, even the future generations.”

Buy a Bangle, Change a Life.

46664 Campaign Empowers Communities in Mozambique

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

The Foundation for Community Development (FDC) is a civic organization started by Graça Machel, the former Mozambican First Lady and the wife of Nelson Mandela. The FDC, with help from 46664 and other funders, is empowering communities to uplift themselves and their children through a skills development program called Tecendo a Vida (“Weaving Life”). The FDC is trying to move away from the traditional aid models that provide developing countries with resources but seldom encourage sustainability.

FDC runs sustainable social programs in Mozambique and aims to empower people by strengthening community structures and decision making processes and giving communities ownership of their future. The FDC provides very little direct funding to communities, but does provide constant support from the project implementation agency, Mbatilamukene.

Field workers help solve a variety of development problems, from creating hygienic sewerage systems to encouraging people to diversify their diets by growing their own fruit and vegetables. People learn to rely on themselves providing a platform for sustainable solutions. With this philosophy in mind, the FDC is helping to tackle the issue of HIV/AIDS by encouraging communities to tackle the underlying social problems which will help to reduce HIV infection rates. 

The 46664 Bangle project contributes funds to support the 46664 Campaigns of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

46664 Ambassador, Annie Lennox, Gives Voice to Women With HIV

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Annie Lennox is an HIV AIDS activist and a 46664 ambassador

From the United Nations News Center:  As lead singer of the band Eurythmics and a solo artist, Annie Lennox is known around the world for a successful music career that spans over three decades. In her new role as a celebrity advocate for the United Nations, she is giving voice to millions of women and girls suffering with HIV and AIDS, an issue close to the heart of this mother of two daughters. 

“As a woman and a mother, I have a direct experience with what parenthood is about and I appreciate how precious every child is to their parent,” Ms. Lennox said in an interview with the UN News Centre.

“That is something that is sacred and if we as mothers are not given the tools to survive and cope, educate and nourish, and protect our own children, there’s something really wrong.”

About 16 million women over the age of 15 are living with HIV worldwide and in sub-Saharan Africa, women make up almost two-thirds of people living with HIV, according to the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). In many parts of the world, women have a higher risk of HIV than men.

Ms. Lennox, who was appointed as an International Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS in June, is no stranger to social activism, having worked with organizations such as Oxfam, Amnesty International and Greenpeace.

The 46664 campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation is a project close to Annie Lennox’s heart and she noted that if South Africa can make headway in addressing HIV and AIDS, it could serve as “a beacon of hope” for the entire continent.

Taking In More Than Football – Sports Stars at World Cup Support 46664 Bangle

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Zinedine Zidane with employees of the 46664 Bangle initiative

In an extraordinarily dramatic World Cup so far; from underdog wins to referee upsets and players on strike, it’s good to see international superstars take a step back from football (or soccer, as we call it in the US) and make time to experience different facets of South Africa. 

There was great excitement when Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints, Thomas Williams of the New England Patriots, and legendary French football ambassador Zinedine Zidane visited the 46664 Bangle workshop; meeting some of the employees and learning more about the project’s contribution to HIV/AIDS prevention.  

Reggie Bush praised how the 46664 Bangle project “does a lot of good for HIV/AIDS awareness and I hope that I can help by bringing more awareness to the issue.”   

The stars also spent time at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, learning more about the work that the Foundation and 46664 does in South Africa and across the continent. Nelson Mandela Foundation spokesman, Sello Hatang, said that Reggie Bush “was here to show his commitment and support for the foundation and its work, and to make sure that we can make Mandela’s legacy live forever”. Zinedine Zidane spoke passionately of Nelson Mandela, saying,  ”he has written history, great history with a great H” and “this man is very, very special.” We agree!

Letters of Hope and Pride – That Madiba Magic

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

46664 Bangle Team in White River, Mpumulanga, South Africa

The 46664 Bangle initiative has been bringing hope and dignity to people in South Africa, since its inception in 2008. Now we can see examples of the positive impact this official wrist bracelet in support of the 46664 campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation has had on the lives of those handcrafting the bracelet and its packaging.

In rural White River, an area in Mpumulanga, South Africa, with high statistics of HIV/AIDS, the 46664 Bangle project has created jobs and made a difference to people like Beauty Mazabuko, who says “It helps the people that are having HIV and AIDS. Also the children are affected by that disease.”  

Sipho Mashego adds, “It is a great honour to be part of the Mandela Bangle; the man who didn’t want to shine in the limelight but known worldwide.”

This heartwarming collection of letters from some of the team who work on the 46664 Bangle, describes the significance and pride associated with their work. In the words of Mirriam Shabangu, “The bangles are made so that [Nelson Mandela’s] selfless contribution should be known by everyone, even the future generations.”

Clearly, it’s not just the income and skills the project provides, but it’s also the honor and pride of being associated with something so closely linked to Africa’s most favorite and most famous resident, Nelson Mandela. As Walter says, “You know what, everybody loves Mandela, and I do too.”

Read more in letters from BeautyMirriamNester, SiphoWalter and Yvonne.

Buy a Bangle. Change a Life.

It’s In Our Hands To Make A Difference

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

See the video of "It's In Our Hands"

In the words of Nelson Mandela, “It is in your hands”. Every individual has the power to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem. 

46664 was Nelson Mandela’s prisoner number and is now an official, global HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign, inspiring individual and collective action towards an AIDS-free world.

At its core, the campaign is about bringing hope and inspiration to all affected by HIV/AIDS.  46664 also raises awareness about social responsibility issues such as poverty, lack of education, gender inequality, lack of access to health facilities and the denial of economic opportunities.

46664  uses the universal connecting power of music, sport, entertainment and celebrity to educate, engage and empower those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, and draws upon an extensive global network of ambassadors and celebrities to raise funds for the many projects it supports.

The 46664 Bangle is the official wrist bracelet in support of this campaign, making a difference in the lives of others through the manufacturing of these beautiful pieces of jewelry in South Africa. Wearing a copper bracelet may not seem like a significant gesture, but each 46664 Bangle generates income in South Africa for communities where it’s most needed. Wearing a 46664 Bangle also serves as a daily reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of others.

The 46664 Bangle - it’s on your wrist, and it’s in your hands.

Mandela Day Inspires People to Do Good

Friday, May 14th, 2010

This year’s Mandela Day concert is in Madrid! Can’t jet off to Spain? That’s okay, you can still join the world celebration by donating 67 minutes of your time to do something good for others in honor of Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of service to humanity.

On July 18, Nelson Mandela’s 92nd birthday, people around the world will be celebrating Mandela Day - acknowledging his life’s work and that of his charitable organizations; ensuring his legacy continues forever.

Mandela Day is an annual celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and a global call to action for people to recognize their individual ability to make an imprint and change the world around them. Mandela Day inspires people from every corner of the world to embrace the values that have embodied Nelson Mandela’s life – democracy; equality; reconciliation; diversity; responsibility; respect and freedom.

“Where there is poverty and sickness, where human beings are being oppressed, there is more work to be done. Our work is for freedom for all. It is in your hands now.” ~ Nelson Mandela, Hyde Park, London, June 2008.

Nelson Mandela has given 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity. Mandela Day calls for 67 minutes of time, supporting your chosen charity or serving your local community. Make your 67-minute pledge. And when you enjoy how good it feels to help others, you may just find yourself making every day a Mandela Day.


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