Building Africa, Building the World​ during COVID times

Peace Initiatives | Updated: | 4 min read


Building Africa, Building the World​ during COVID times  

Gurudev has launched several initiatives to address mental health issues in Africa. Continuing the series of Africa Day (May 25th) and Africa Month (May 2020); Gurudev engages in an annual continent-wide campaign called iMeditateAfrica (IMA).

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May 26, 2020

“iMeditateAfrica” continues with specific focus on COVID times.

“Meditation has the ability to connect us all beyond the boundaries of caste, creed & nationality.”
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Gurudev has launched several initiatives to address mental health issues in Africa. Continuing the series of Africa Day (May 25th) and Africa Month (May 2020); Gurudev engages in an annual continent-wide campaign called iMeditateAfrica (IMA).

A Lancet Global Health report says: Mental health problems appear to be increasing in importance in Africa.
Between 2000 and 2015 the continent’s population grew by 49%, yet the number of years lost to disability as a result of mental and substance use disorders increased by 52%.
In 2015, 17·9 million years were lost to disability as a consequence of mental health problems.

Through a series of 3 online conversations, Gurudev connected with several political and other leaders from different industries.

Speakers

  • Hon. Leela Devi Dookun
    MAURITIUS
    Vice PM, Minister of Education, Science and Technology
  • Amb. Rudo M. Chitiga
    ZIMBABWE
    Senior diplomat and development expert
  • Marlene Le-Roux
    SOUTH AFRICA
    Co-founder, Women’s achievement network for disability
  • Pearl Thusi
    SOUTH AFRICA
    Actress, model, TV and radio personality
  • Mary Khaemba
    KENYA
    Director, Rehabilitation and welfare, Kenya Prisons
  • Manhar Mooney
    BOTSWANA
    Businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist
  • Ignatius Sehoole
    SOUTH AFRICA
    CEO, KPMG, South Africa
  • Juliet Namuddu Nambi
    UGANDA
    Directorate, Education and social services
  • Simon Kaheru
    UGANDA
    Former director and chairperson, Uganda Broadcasting Corp.
  • Prof. Fred McBagonluri
    GHANA
    President and provost, Academic City College
  • Prof. Salim Abdool Karim
    SOUTH AFRICA
    Chair: Ministerial advisory committee on COVID-19
  • Prof. Adam Habib
    SOUTH AFRICA
    Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of the Witwatersrand
  • Dr. Adriana Marais
    SOUTH AFRICA
    Physicist and founder of Proudly Human
  • Prof. David Norris
    BOTSWANA
    Vice Chancellor, University of Botswana
  • Paddy Upton
    SOUTH AFRICA
    Head coach, T20 cricket. Professor, Deakin University
  • Kumi Naidoo
    SOUTH AFRICA
    African human rights and environmental activist

iMeditateAfrica-2020-speakers

We are really touched at what we do at a spiritual level, artist are your best partners, particularly at the level they keep all of us safe and they ensure our souls as a nation are kept intact.
~ Nathi Mthethwa, Honorable Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

Every action begins with a seed. That is intention. We have sown the seed for a prosperous and peaceful Africa. We now have to nurture this by our actions.
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

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