Throwback Thursday
When: Thursday 26th June
What: We want to take advantage of the growing popularity of Throwback Thursday—also known as #TBT—on social media to end newborn deaths. #TBT has rapidly evolved from a trend into a tradition. Each month, as many as 3.25 million social media users upload old photos to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other platforms to celebrate #TBT. Growing numbers of celebrities and influencers have gotten in on the action, including Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton and even Pope Francis. Use the #SouthAfricaCares hashtags, and either #TBT, #ThrowbackThursday.
What you can do: Post a photo of yourself on Facebook or Twitter as a newborn or of you and your newborn in honor of, and in solidarity with, all mothers and newborns—to remind us all of our most common thread that we too were once born and the rights we all have to a safe and healthy birth.
Sample Tweets: CUTE! Join me in sharing a pic of you or your child as a newborn to show #SouthAfricaCares for #EveryNewborn. #TBT [insert image as pic.twitter]. Nearly 3m newborns die each year, mainly from preventable causes. Support #EveryNewborn & @SaveChildrenSA this #TBT [insert image as pic.twitter]. Show that #SouthAfricaCares. Support #EveryNewborn - join me in sharing pic of you or your child as a newborn this #TBT! @[insert twitter handle] pic.twitter.com/xxxxxxxxx
Special Reception Hosted by South African Civil Society: A Common Thread Reaching Every Woman and Every Newborn.
When: Sunday 29th June 2014, 17.30 – 19.30, L’incontro ballroom, Michelangelo hotel, Sandton
What: Around the world and in South Africa, real progress has been made in saving women and children’s lives but newborn survival has lagged behind. At the end of June a new international plan – the Every Newborn Action Plan - will be launched in Johannesburg. This is a critical opportunity to galvanize the action needed to end preventable stillbirths and newborn and maternal deaths. On the eve of its launch, join South African civil society organisations campaigning to end the tragedy of preventable newborn and maternal deaths.
Featuring an exclusive performance from South African musical legend Yvonne Chaka Chaka and the winner of Gauteng Schools Choir Championship, Jiyana Secondary School Choir
What you can do: come along and follow on social media using the hashtags #southafricacares #everynewborn #pmnchlive RSVP to [email protected] by 24th June
South African Knit-In 25 June 2014
Where and when: Wednesday 25th June, Diepkloof multi-purpose centre, 7644 corner Immink and Eben Cuyler drive, Zone 3, Diepkloof, 1864 between 9am-14.00 or Genesis Clinic from 14.00 – 17.00 at Genesis Clinic, Parkwood.
Why: Our Knit-Ins will bring together as many people as possible to show their support for all mothers and newborns by knitting squares for a giant “BLANKET OF HOPE” to be displayed at a special reception in Sandton. The “Blanket of Hope” will be assembled using the individual squares created at South African knit-in and knit-ins from all around the world. Midwives, nurses and Mothers participating will share their stories and experiences about birth, the challenges, the success stories and what more can be done to save lives.
What you can do: 1) Come to the event and join the knit-in 2) If you cannot come to the events you can still support the campaign by knitting squares in bright colours (12cm by 12cm) and posting it to Save the Children South Africa, 1067 Arcadia Street SAQA House, 2nd Floor Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa . 3) Share the attached invitation with anyone you think may be interested in attending.