The North West Department of Health and Social Development will observe International Day for Families with a conference on Saturday, 15 May 2010. The conference will focus on the impact of migration on families around the world with special attention given to the province.
Migration creates a substantial amount of stress for relocating families. Families lose the predictability of familiar surroundings and they often find themselves without the support systems that existed in their previous homes especially when they experience tensions between the primary values of the old and new cultures. This stress and absence of support can lead to developmental problems for both adults and children in the family. Often these families require assistance in successfully managing the transition between cultures.
Migration of families not only takes place from one country to another but also from province to province. Among migrating families, the leaving behind of family and community, and the breaking of these bonds can often lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation and meaninglessness. Especially in rural areas where the traditional way of living is strong, migrating families can end up experiencing feelings of losing their roots due to language, culture and way of living differences.
One aspect of family life that can be influenced by family transitions is family cohesion and the unity which holds families together. Stress factors often make inroads on family life leaving the family unit dysfunctional and unable to provide the needed support and protection to its family members. It is thus important that family cohesion be protected and even further developed. In the same way it is essential that the migrating families become part of the community which they have relocated to i.e. develop social cohesion. Thus activities that strengthen family and social cohesion become of the utmost importance.
This year’s conference will be attended by institutions of higher learning, organisations providing social welfare services in the province, Department of International Relations, International Organisation of Migration (IOM) and International Social Services (ISS).
The United Nations General Assembly on September 1993 took a resolution to observe International Day for Families on 15 May every year. The resolution was a response to changing social and economic structures, which have affected and still affect the structure and stability of family units in many regions of the globe. The conference will coincide with the launch of a one year long HIV and AIDS campaign called ‘One-Love’ confronting multiple concurrent partner practices.
MEC Rebecca Kasienyane will deliver a keynote address.
Media is invited to attend the conference as follows:
Date: 15 May 2010
Venue: Mmabatho Convention Centre
Time: 09h00
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
