For many orphans and vulnerable children of the HIV-epidemic living in Grahamstown it was the first time they could honour relatives who had passed away by lighting a candle in their memory.
For many orphans and vulnerable children of the HIV-epidemic living in Grahamstown it was the first time they could honour relatives who had passed away by lighting a candle in their memory.
A candle-lighting ceremony at the Cathedral of St Michael and St George on Wednesday was the central moment of a Worker's Day event that included a march down Dr Jacob Zuma Drive to the Cathedral and a picnic after the ceremony.
Close to 200 Grahamstown children between the ages of seven and 18 from various schools and non-governmental organisations marched to the Cathedral as part of a Worker's Day parade.
Organisations including the Raphael Centre, Jabez Aids Centre, St Mary’s Developmental Care Centre, St Augustine, LoveLife and Hospice and many others came together to support orphans and vulnerable children living with HIV and Aids.
Pupils from DSG and St Andrew's College also participated in the event which was organised by the Raphael Centre and sponsored by the Makana Municipality and St Patrick's Church.
Manager of the Jabez Aids Centre, Goodwill Featherstone, said the event had been successful; however, he lamented the fact that many of the children were dressed in old and torn clothing because the organisation was under financial stress following the Social Welfare Department's decision to withdraw its funding.
Featherstone said while respecting the solemn nature of the event, organisers tried to lift the spirits of participants by inviting the band to cheer them along and encourage those who wished to dance.
