The Nata village blog

EXTREME MAKE OVER NATA

 
   Nata Village Men Sector Support Group would like to thank all who contributed, donated, and supported this wonderful project. Thamalalo Reetsanye and her grandchildren finally received her small two bedroom house in the Manakanagore Ward. Thamalalo Reetsanye is fully covered when the winds and rains come pouring down. The house project was constructed by local volunteers in the community. After reading and hearing how Mma Reetsanye was living with several grandchildren in the make shift tent. The community reacted in a large number and started to construct the two bedroom house. Several department s and local businesses, as well as retired people took turns building the house. From digging the foundation to clearing the yard and putting up a fence to protect her property. After four month of hard work by all volunteers the house was up and ready for occupation. During the hand over volunteers put together two food baskets, clothing box, cooking pots and pans, two large mattresses, and some candy for the family to enjoy. Mma Reetsanye was so happy for her new home she periodically thank everyone with tears coming down her face with joy and laughter. For years Mma Reetsanye was enduring the harsh conditions while living in here make shift tent. The weather is not kind to any one in Nata when it comes down to wind, rain, and heat.  

SIX NEEDY FAMILIES RECEIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Christmas eve was a surprise to Six local needy families in Nata Vvillage. A big thank you goes out to all the donors who send clothing, shoes, toys, candy, and coloring books with crayons. Nata Vvillage has six wards that make the whole Vvillage. Social and Community Development was happy help us identify the needy families. North Gate Lodge took part in locating the small huts where the families live. During our ride locating the families we gave plenty of candy to children around the Vvillage. It was an awesome day for all six families and the children receiving such wonderful gifts donated by people all over the world. Thank you again for making this wonderful experience happen in Nata village.
   

THE NATA HIV/AIDS – SANITATION PROJECT

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THIRD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY IN NATA VILLAGE

On  behalf of all the registered Orphan and Needy students in Nata Village, we like to thank all of you who made this Christmas Party possible by donating or contributing to the event. The third annual Christmas Party took place at the Kgotla (a place where meetings and domestic disputes are settle). After months of planning with local volunteers the event finally took place on Saturday the 21^st of November. Christmas came early for 307 Orphan and Needy students from Nata Village. This year we had a Santa Claus and seven Santa helpers to assist with the event.  As the years go by we are having more students attend the annual event. Due to the school calendar, all students will end their third and final term on the 27^th of November. Therefore, we were able to announce the Christmas Party to all Orphan and Needy students before their departure to the cattle post (rural areas outside Nata Village where most students live). The event was a success from the start.

The festivity kicked off with an early morning breakfast. Soon after breakfast the students were treated to a game of truth or false regarding health related issues, with an answer behind every question. Also, issues surrounding alcohol abuse and teen pregnancy, as well as child abuse. All students received a pen or pencil with plenty of candy as speakers and important figures of the community talked about the importance of continuing their education and moving forward to a brighter future. Most Orphan or Needy students drop out of school at an early age to seek employment or other ways of making money. 

After two hours of important information for the students regarding their safety a big HO HO HO came from the distance. All students immediately turned their heads to see what was coming towards them. Cheers broke out and everyone was happy to see Santa Claus coming in from the North pole in a donkey cart. Santa came with his donkey cart full of gifts for the children, as he waved his hand and wishing everybody a Merry Christmas. But wait, Santa didn’t see any young boys and girls under the age of ten with the students waving and cheering for Santa’s arrival. Santa looked carefully, to his amusement the young boys and girls have never seen Santa before this day. The young boys and girls saw Santa as a big fat man in a red suite coming to kidnap them and take them away from their care takers. As Santa walked around shaking hand s and giving high fives to all the students, the young boys and girls who were afraid carefully walked out to shake Santa’s hand. Santa was very happy to gain the young children’s trust.

After everybody finally got acquainted with Santa we started to pass out the gifts. Every student attending the event got a gift. The gifts had a pair of shoes, two pair of pants, one t-shirt or shirt, shorts or track suits, skirts for the ladies, and a food coupon. When Santa and the chief pass all the gifts out to the students, a big healthy lunch was awaiting. Eight volunteers from the village prepared and cooked a meal for 350 people. The volunteers worked hard for a day and a half baking and cooking bread, meat, porridge, samp(beans with rice), soup, and juice. Every student received a healthy meal for the day. As you may already know in some parts of Africa a balance meal does not exist. We, at Nata Village would like to thank you again for the support and contributions you have made to make this year very special for those who can’t make it happen. The children had an awesome day. Keep well.          

 

CLOTHING & FOOD DRIVE FOR THE ORPHAN AND NEEDY CHILDREN IN NATA VILLAGE

Mr and Mrs Kraai from South West Gaborone put together an awesome traditional luncheon to raise food and clothing for all the Needy and Orphan children living in Nata Village. The day kicked off with many family members preparing food for all the guest. Each guest who arrived brought a trash bag full of clothing or canned food to donate. All guest who brought clothing or canned food received a t-shirt with a log that read "I'm from Nando 5" The word nando 5 translates to Nata Village.Soon after all the introductions were done and the guest received their flashy t-shirt to wear. The guest were treated to a nice traditional food of their choice. Approximately 45 guest attended this excellent event to support the needy. All donations will be given to the Orphan and Needy on the 21st of November when we have our third annual Christmas Party in Nata Village. The trust would like to thank all the family members and friends who put together this amazing event.

Wellness day in Nata Primary school

Students from Nata Primary School put together a day of education and Health. Parents, Teachers, and P.T.A. members were encourage to come and listen to the students message. The primary school students put together real live scenarios affecting their young lives. Role playing was the key to make all spectators understand what every child has experience in the hands of their protectors.   Poverty and alcohol abuse by love one's is the main reason students are not getting a good education. Lack of responsibly and carelessness on both the parents and elders have made it impossible for a child to attend school and learn. Furthermore, the students invited many guess speakers from the Village to explain their profession and the ability to get a good education. Poems were read by students as the message was pass on to all who attended the Wellness fair.

 

GRANDMOTHER OF SEVEN GRANDCHILDREN NEEDS A HOME

A picture to tug at the heart strings. Bright Kholi, News Editor of The Ngami Times, came across this pitiful sight when visiting the Nata area recently. He found living in Manakanagore ward an old woman in her mid 70s - what makes her different from other grandmothers is she does not have a house to live in, and neither does she have a toilet. Thamalalo Reetsanye lives literally in the open with four grandchildren dumped on her by seemingly uncaring parents. Their arrival has made life even worse for her as she survives on her food rations from the local council and her old age pension, which she has to share with her grandchildren. United States Peace Corps volunteer Pedro Martinez said Reetsanye and her grandchildren – one of whom attends Nata Primary School - live in appalling conditions. It appears the parents are able bodied and are supposed to take care of their children but have instead sent the children to their grandmother. Martinez says he would like to see the old woman being helped with a house and a toilet to escape the harsh weather conditions. She is “not supposed to be living in those conditions. I simply call upon the business community everywhere to help put up a structure for her,” he said. Those willing to help can call Peter Martinez on 75014128.

HIV/AIDS, AND TURERCULOSIS EDUCATION ON THE FIELDS

Health Assistant Educators and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission spend all week out in the Cattle Posts (the bush) and the surrounding villages assisting and educating all field workers who live out in the bush. The team of four will try their best to explain the importance of staying on their medications and learning more about Tuberculosis (T.B), as well as using all methods of protection during sexual intercourse. In addition, the team will include a talk on A(H1N1). Botswana's Ministry of Health has confirmed and verified a few cases in the area. The team will do their best to reach all near by Cattle Posts, Schools, Businesses, and Social Gatherings.

MEN'S SECTOR SOCCOR TOURNAMENT

Nata Village Men’s Sector Support group along with Tebelopele coordinated and facilitated an exciting all around soccer tournament for the four day weekend. During the long weekend all six wards in Nata Village participated in a six team knock out soccer tournament. The soccer tournament is a series of Campaign’s to allow all spectators and teams to test and acknowledge their status. Also, to get more information on HIV/AIDS, STI’S, Alcohol Abuse, and Positive healthy living. All six teams were winners in the field and out the field. First place winners received  three soccer balls and a pair of nets.  The rest of the teams were able to collected one ball each. All the teams found out their HIV status with the fifteen minute rapid test. Furthermore, 1,362 spectators were reached during the match and educated by Tebelopele on the importance of their ABC’S, Abstain, Be Faithful, and Condomize. 158 men, 122 women tested for their status, as well as 12 couples. The four day soccer tournament was a success throughout the community.  

Flamingo Primary and High School visits Makongwa School in Nata

  

On the 2nd July,2009 Mokongwa Primary School welcomed Flamingo Primay and High school from Sua township. Flamingo Primary and High School was in  Nata Village to give clothes and shoes to the Orphans and Needy students at Makongwa Primary School. Makongwa Primary School has 36 Orphans and Needy. The students received clothing, shoes, Jersey and track suits.

Mr. Seloma Tiro Chairman of Nata Aids and Orphan Trust,Caregivers and Parents of the needy students were in attendance to assist with donations. There were also Visitors from Hong Kong and South Africa to help. Nata Aids and Orphan Trust would like to take this oportunity to thank every one who is making a difference in the lives of orphans and needy with their contributions. There were plenty of smiles on the faces of all students.

www.mothersforall.com

June 21st 2009, was the second workshop provided by Mothers For All to Ntwakgolo Support group. The support group will continue to work on making necklaces, bracelets, and earings out of old magazines. The project will help the support group with sustainable living income. By using old magazines to create this beautiful product, it will reduce waste paper in the Village. This project will give the support group money and on the other hand, keep our environment clean. To view all the product go to www.mothersforall.org and place an order to support the cause. The Natavillage support group, Ntwakgolo is mainly women living with HIV and or supporting Orphan children living with the virus. 

CONTRIBUTIONS AT WORK

Nata Village has a population of 6000+ people living in six community wards. Each ward, which includes the following, Sekao, Basimane, Maaloso, Manakanagore, Makwenaejwang, and Kachikau each have one chief and a place to hold weekly meetings (kgotla). During the past years all six wards did not have a sign or anything identifying the community by their given name.In the coming month all six wards will have a large sign with the wards name on it. The signs will help each ward by posting announcements for the coming week or any special events. The community will benefit greatly from this project.

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY VISITS NATA VILLAGE

Nata Primary School got a warm visit from two professors, eight university students and one husband from Lake Superior State University in America to donate clothing, shoes, sports equipment and candy for the Orphan and Needy students. Their visit was short but enjoyable, during the distribution of all the items they collected in the States. More than 126 Orphan and Needy students received a pair of shoes, one t-shirt or jersey, one toy, one tooth brush with tooth paste, and a hand full of candy. All students were accompanied by their care givers during this great event. The distribution was made possible by the University, Nata Primary School Teachers, K. Rancholo, and Mr. Tiro. The care givers were very happy for this special event. The Orphan and Needy students were happy and excited for this great and wonderful contribution by Lake Superior State University. The visit from the University was an excellent day for all of us in Nata Village. 

The Visit by Lake Superior State University to Nata Village was the first of it's kind and hopefully not the last one by any school or organazation. 

NATIONAL MEASLES AND VITAMIN-A CAMPAIGN IN NATA VILLAGE

No child left behind is Nata's theme for the first round of vitamin-a supplementation in June 1st-7th. The Ministry Of Health is conducting a Measles and Vitamin-A National Compaign. During the campaign, all children aged nine months to five years will be given a dose of Measles vaccine. An oral dose of Vitamin-A will be given to all children aged six months to five years. All parents and caretakers are urged to bring their children to the vaccination posts during this campaign. The Ministry of health hopes everyone in Nata Village will take advantage of this opportunity to keep their children strong and healthy. 

OFFICIAL OPENING OF NORTH GATE LODGE

This was Nata’s greatest ever party!

 

Nata, that little village at the crossroads to Maun and Kasane, had never seen anything like it!

It seemed that the whole village turned out for the official opening of the swish North Gate Lodge and then went to the Nata Bird Sanctuary lookout point at Sua Pan to a mega party well into the night on Saturday.

It was a day and night villagers will never forget as lodge owner Seloma Tiro and his staff, led by general manager Peter McClelland and his wife Susan, deputy general manager, pulled out all the stops to make it a huge success.

The event at the lodge was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-Operation,Phandu Skelemani, who unveiled a plaque commemorating the event. Also present was Oliphant Mfa, MP for Nata/Gweta and Botswana Tourism Board chairperson Myra Sekgororoane, as well as other dignitaries.

Skelemani described Tiro as “a man from humble beginnings, much like most of us” who had first opened a trading store, then built a garage and also took over a filling station - “then to our surprise he knocked down the trading store and built the shopping centre. North Gate Lodge is the latest result.”

The minister said “realising a vision needs a lot of hard work - - “this is an encouragement to all of us. Dream big and you have the stamina.”

He described the lodge – which employs 35 people - as a significant development and a milestone for Nata and surrounding areas.   Predicting that the lodge will enhance business in Nata in general, Skelemani described it as an ideal location for travellers to the Chobe and the Okavango delta.

Sekgororoane told about 200 guests that tourism needed standards and that some tourism establishments were lacking in basic requirements.

“Service delivery is a source of concern,” she added.

After the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed a huge variety of food and refreshments around the pool area before many left for the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where food and refreshments were also served at a party that continued well into the night.

SUA COMMUNITY JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

 

Approximately 600+ students at Sua Community Junior Secondary School received a very informative and educational health talk on HIV/AIDS, STI'S, Teen age pregnancy, Alcohol Abuse, and Domestic violence. Peter Martinez, Peace Corps Volunteer from California was more than serious when addressing the young students on this critical and important issues. With role playing and statistics on the rate of HIV infections in their community. The message was loud and clear and all the students left the assembly with a better understanding of whats expected of them.

Ntwakgolo Support Group

 

The month of May was very educational for the Ntwakgolo support group. First, the support group just received their six week training course on leather and sewing work certificates. This work shop enables the support group to work independently from home. Making leather shoes, jackets, purses, and wallets. Second, the support group is now enjoying bead work by using paper and or magazines. The support group can now make neclaces, bracellets, and earings. The work will hopefully help the support group earn an income. If you wish to see their projects go to www.mothersforall.org  

DONATIONS AT WORK (MURAL PROJECT)

 

Nata Village along with Sua Secondary School Health Club and Nata Primary School were able to draw and paint to Murals educating their community on staying health and knowing their status. Both Sua Secondary School and Nata Primary School worked hard putting this event together. The students hope the message will hit home with their Mural education. The students will continue to educate their community and travelers with more Murals on the A3 road that passes through their community.  

A tranquil lodge at a key intersection

Nata is the proud host of North Gate Lodge, a new accommodation facility that is strategically located at the Kasane, Francistown and Maun road intersection.

The lodge has become the centre of attraction in the small Nata Central Business District for both locals and tourists alike.

Nata, naturally a traditional village which for many years had only one accommodation facility, has felt the demand for more accommodation establishments after the bush fire that gatted down the one facility.

Nata is a very important place as it serves as a gateway to both the Chobe and the Okavango Delta – and that is what makes the lodge so vital to tourists and business travellers alike.

Seloma Tiro, the owner, is a man who had a vision of building a lodge slap-bang in the middle of Nata, and that's how North Gate Lodge was born. The lodge is in the good hands of Peter McClelland, the general manager, and his wife, Susan, who is deputy general manager. They have, along with Tiro, worked tirelessly to get the lodge to where it is today – an oasis in the almost barren landscape of the Nata area. There are 24 rooms - including chalets, family rooms, executive rooms and single rooms – all of which are well-furnished and competitively priced. There is also a conference facility and the bluest swimming pool one can imagine. The rooms are equipped with TV and air conditioners which all add to the comfort of the rooms.

Very convenient parking is available within the lodge property for guests and the area is under 24-hour security surveillance so one does not worry about the vehicles.

The McClellands cannot hide their happiness at operating the establishment and they talk of North Gate Lodge with such passion!

It is not so surprising as the cool and tranquil lodge almost makes one forget the busy, noisy life going on outside its walls in the village of Nata . It provides an environment in which one can have a peaceful rest after a long drive. According to Peter they provide tours to the Makgadikgadi Pans, Kubu Island, and Nata Bird Sanctuary as well as Nxai Pan with its famous Baines Baobabs.

Peter wants to turn Nata into a destination rather a stop over - “we want people come here because they want to visit Nata, and not because they are passing through to Chobe or the Okavango delta,” he said.

The lodge started operating in July 2008, finally securing its licence in January after months of operating with a temporary licence.

Next time you are in Nata, try it out at North gate Lodge, the fully stocked wet bar is situated right next to the swimming pool!

NATAVILLAGE HAS INTER NET AVAILABILITY

 

Nata Village finally gets inter net accessability for all the travelrs, campers, and the community to use when ever the need to send a quick message. Nata Village has three locations where you can access the inter net. First, the post office has six computers available to be used at any time. Furthermore, you have the availability to make copies and send faxes around the world and back. Second, Wild Butchery has four computers and a fax machine that can be used. Finally, North Gate Lodge also has inter net for any one to use.