Human Relief Organization

http://campioburns.blogspot.com/p/campios-television-broadcast-on-hello.html?spref=fb

 

The CAMPIO (Champion) Burns Group is a South African Awareness and Support Organization with a mission to assist in the emotional, psychological and spiritual healing process of child burn survivors.

CAMPIO’s main objective is to create awareness of the plight of the child burn survivor (primarily through the performing arts and sport based programs/projects/campaigns) and to honor and support the work of the unsung heroes of our communities and provide support to families affected by burns.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the CAMPIO policies will acknowledge and incorporate the needs (when required) of adult burn survivors, regardless of race or culture.

The organization is governed by a Management Committee who is assisted by an advisory team of professionals who are proficient within various fields.

” Love and Compassion are the keys that ultimately unlock the door to greatness and freedom”.

To serve as a catalyst in the development, integration and transformation process of all child burn survivors.

– To:

All programs/workshops are geared for preparing the community and the burn survivor for social integration, raising self confidence/esteem and motivating and stimulating communication.  We aim to accomplish our objectives through the assistance of donations, volunteers, partnership and networking with corporates, churches, schools; hospital burns units and rehabilitation institutions.

v      Assist in the healing process of child burn survivors by providing counseling and “healing programs” and facilitate an integrated mixed choir to serve as a platform for expression and awareness and provide a voice for the child burn survivor.

v      Champion the social, health (emotional, physical and psychological wellness) and educational rights of the child burn survivor.

v      Establish a Helps and community Centre offering life skills, education (in business and other areas), entrepreneurial opportunities, literacy programs and creative /performing arts workshops and facilitate transportation.

Therapists’ agree that music has the potential to break down differences and boundaries.  It releases pent up emotion, stimulates and motivates communication.

CAMPIO Partners

• Phoenix Burns Project  – Burns Organization, Cape Town, RSA- www.pbp.org.za
• Metro Police Women’s Network Forum (MPWNF) – Cape Town, Area South – RSA
• Monde Music – Europe –  www.sonicbids.com/andredelang
• African Connections – Social/welfare – United Kingdom – www.africanconnections.org.uk
• PASASA – Paraffin Safety Association of South Africa – www.paraffinsafety.org
• CAPFSA – Child Accident Prevention Foundation of South Africa –

 

Our Motivation and Mission

According to the Fire Protection Association of South Africa burns were the second leading cause of accidental deaths in South Africa.  Time Magazine aptly describes the effect of burns to the body: – “Of all bodily injuries, few are more traumatic than burns. By searing through flesh and muscle, destroying nerves and blood vessels, and setting up a fertile breeding ground for infection, burns can cripple, disfigure and kill”. “The biggest problem (for burn victims) is their fear of being seen in public. Some of them do not want to come out of their houses”. Child burn survivors can spend anything from two months to two years in hospital. It is debilitating both to their personal growth and to their school work.   (Burn Foundation South Africa)

There are questions that are uppermost in our minds and we are absolutely determined to find the answers to them.

“Where are the burn survivors of the City of Cape Town; what happens to them when they are discharged from hospital; why are they not seen in the workplace or in public; what happens to the child burn survivor who drops out of school and therefore does not receive any form of education, social stimulation and development; where are the burn friendly schools in South Africa, or to be more precise, in Cape Town and why are there not more accessible rehabilitation centres that are core to the healing process of our child burn survivors”?

On the 7th July 2010 - In the informal settlement of Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa, a 2 roomed shack burns down (the fire was caused by a fallen candle). 9 fatalities:  5 being children, 1 of the 5 being a 9 month old baby –

Above and amidst the cries of pain, if one listens carefully, one can hear the silent cries of a community begging for relief, mothers who suffer the onslaught of guilt, regret, depression are begging for mercy and families are pleading for support.

When a burn victim dies, though traumatic and tragic, it is an act of mercy.  But when a burn victim survives, mercy is needed.

How can we ignore this challenge?

ONGOING PROJECTS – We need your assistance.  Please support our projects financially or in kind.   CAMPIO aims to develop tolerance, acceptance, compassion, character and competence

• CAMPIO Choir – will serve as a vehicle for raising awareness of the need for tolerance and reflecting the success of integration and communication.

Core start up needs are transport, rehearsal and operation facilities, costumes, technical equipment, publicity material, marketing/media partnerships and running costs (including food/beverages).

• “Support a child burn survivor” Project – A holistic approach to the development and transformation of a child burn survivor.

The anticipated outcomes

• Tolerance, acceptance, compassion, character and competence
• An accessible integrated helps and community centre.
• 3 child burn survivors will be holistically supported per year.
• More “Burn friendly” schools.
• Social integration through performing arts and sport.
• Continued Literacy/education programs and entrepreneurship.

Fire and Burns Statistics:

UNICEF has found that 5 million children in Africa die from accidental or environmental deaths, like fires, each year and generally 10 million die from totally preventable causes.  1300 children die or are injured in South Africa per year (these being the most severe cases).  According to Red Cross burns unit, the leading cause of burns injury or death is caused by hot water and fire accidents.  250 children are cared for by Red Cross per month, yet the hospital only has 22 beds.  Less severe cases are referred to clinics and day hospitals for continued treatment.  Socio-economic issues often prevent ongoing treatment leaving the victim vulnerable to infections and possibly death.

PASASA says that 11 million South Africans come into contact with paraffin and most fire accidents are caused by the unsafe use of paraffin stoves etc.  Hot water accidents are proof that burns education is imperative. According to the article (Pretoria News – 2006) former Education Minister, Naledi Pandor  is quoted as having said that – 4, 7-million people are regarded as totally illiterate because they had never attended school.  4, 9 million South Africans were functionally illiterate (people who had dropped out of school before Grade Seven).

CAMPIO therefore believes that in order to effectively educate communities, the need for literacy amongst users of paraffin equipment and flammable materials must be evaluated, addressed and facilitated.

For Enquiries,

www.campioburnsgroup.webs.com

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