The Nata village blog

Makongwa Primary Suceeds in Choir Competition

 

Recently, Makongwa Primary school placed third at the national competition for choral singing for primary schools.  This is the second time that Makongwa has been invited to the national competition.  On both the regional and district level, they scored in first place.  Before they traveled to Mahalapye for the nationals they were invited to come to the Kgotla and share their accomplishments and talents with the community.  Batswana have a rich tradition of singing and dancing and these students proudly displayed their cultural traditions. 

 

 

Men-Sector Lunch Fundraiser

 In an effort to raise funds for a pit latrine to be built at the house of Thamalalo Reetsanye  and her grandchildren, Men-Sector held a lunch fundraiser at the Nata Primary.  Members of the community-based organization donated their time to help cook the meal.  Using firewood and cast iron pots, they made beef stew, maize-meal, spinach, chicken, sorghum and samp & beans.  Lunch was sold at P25 a plate.  Members of the Men-Sector and many from government and private offices came during their lunch hour to support the community.  Men-sector plans to hold an additional lunch in the coming month, in order to reach our monetary  goal. 

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD CHURCH IN NATA

   Assemblies of god is one of the churches in Nata Village. The Nata Village branch was opened in1997 and the first Leader was Pastor Setlhong. The church has 74 adult members and 64 children. The meetings are. Mondays for prayers. Wednesdays for bible study. Thurdays for ladies (bomme). Fridays are for worship. Saturdays for youth (banana). Sunday is for main service.

The church recruits members by inviting them to their different services and by personal evangelism.

Assemblies of god has 79 churches in Botswana. The church contributes to the welfare of the village by helping destitutes with food and clothing after collecting them from church members.

On the issue of HIV/AIDS the church preaches and talks a lot about abstainance to youth, and faithfullnes to couples.  Assemblies of god also offers counselling to those affected and infected with the decease.  They tell them to have hope and put everything in gods power, and to take good care of themselves.

At the moment Assemblies of god do not have prgrams for youth during school holidays and Kenewang Rancholo encouraged them to think of that, because it would help youth to be busy and even do something for the village during that time.

The Nata Village Assemblies of god is now under the leadership of Pastor Naison Kamusha fro Zimbabwe.

The church is prepared to help with anything that involves Charity in the village. The church welcomes everyone to one of their sevices.

NATA LODGE RE-OPENS IT'S DOORS AFTER MASSIVE FIRE

Nata Lodge opened their doors to the public – and what a joyful occasion this was.

It had been almost a year to date that Nata Lodge was burnt to the ground in a devastating bush-veld fire, and now all staff stand tall and proud AND look upon what they have accomplished.

All 70 Staff Members had a hand in the rebuilding of the New Nata Lodge.  Chef’s, waitresses, housekeepers, scullers and Front office personnel, had a chance to mix cement, lay the new paving, and in building of the new public facilities.

Nata Lodge now boast 22 luxury wooden thatched chalets, which are built on stilts and are of a twin bed configuration with outdoor showers and indoor baths.  Nata Lodge also has 2 family Chalets on offer.  All Chalets are now air-conditioned.

By January 2010, we will have on offer 10 Luxury Safari tents.  These are Maru tents built on wooden decks with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers.  And these too are of twin bed configuration.

Nata Lodge Food and Beverage facilities look grand.  The bar was rebuilt on the same footprint as before, but more spacious.  So, sitting overlooking the crystal blue swimming pool whilst revealing in the comfort, and sipping on that ice cold drink.  Our restaurant has changed, but is as warm and inviting as before.  We offer both in and outdoor seating whilst enjoying the mouth watering food on offer and watching the antics of the wild bird feeding area.

Our campsite is up and running, with male and female ablution blocks on offer.  However, we do not have electricity points at individual sites.

Trips out to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, through the Nata Bird Sanctuary in our open 4x4 safari vehicles are in full swing.  So, tired of driving?  Let our Guides look after you and take you, on either a sunset or sunrise drive and explain to you what flora and fauna you ought to see in the area.

Directors, Management and Staff alike are thrilled to be in operation again, and look forward to welcoming you to NATA LODGE in the not too distant future!

MEN SECTOR SUPPORT WORKSHOP

February was the month for men and woman to get involve with community development and health education. For two days the Men Sector support group listen and took notes while instructors explained how important it is to educate the community on health related issues. All participants took advantage of the information that was handed to them during the work shop. Mr. I.P Omphitlhetse kicked off the day with a better understanding in goals and objectives the Men Sector support group should be facing. The Men Sector aims to be a lead sector in employing best practice strategies to significantly reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in men and sexually active boys in Botswana. We, Men sector, will ensure that the male population of Botswana is well informed on HIV/AIDS, and is fully involved in carrying out activities that are aimed at reducing the spread of diseases and in taking part in the care of the affected and infected. Mr. I.P Omphitlhetse made sure all participants got the message. In addition, Mr. N. Bashanako gave us a lesson on understanding sexuality. The objective, to gain an understanding of broad concept of sexuality and the many areas of our lives that involve our sexuality. Mr. N. Bashanako also explained sexuality is an expression of who we are as human beings. Sexuality includes all the feelings, thoughts and behavior of being a female or male, being attractive and in love as well in relationships that include intimacy and physical activity. Mr. N. Bashanako also explained the gender role we all play in life. For example, gender refers to the societal expectations placed on Men and Women. It is how an individual or society defines male and females. Gender roles on the other hand are socially or culturally defined attitudes, behaviors, expectations, and responsibilities that are considered appropriate for men and women. Gender roles vary according to culture, class and ethnicity.  A better understanding of a role we all play in life. This would help the peer educators do a better job out in the field. Furthermore, Mr. Dikobo gave us a treat on Sexually Transmitted Infections. A whole new session for all of us. Because of the high rate of infections  in our community Mr. Dikobo gave us an introduction to all infections in the community. His definition, these are infections that are transmitted from person to person through sexual contact and if the infection is not treated can cause serious adverse effects on reproductive and child health. We, Men Sector learned the signs and symptoms on both men and women regarding sexually transmitted infections. Due to the high rate of infections Mr. N. Bashanako explained the issues facing Multiple concurrent partnerships and HIV transmission. Having more than one partner does not break the chain. The best advise we can give during our visits in our community is our ( ABC’S ) Abstain, Faithfulness, and Condomize. Who’s in sexual network was the theme. The most important issue was presented by Mr. Bengani who’s topic was the links between alcohol and HIV/AIDS. Excessive alcohol plays an important role in the commission of rape. It is associated exciting lust and also weakening the natural inhibitions that normally keeps instincts and urges at bay Mr. Bengani explained. In any case, our instructors gave us lot’s of information to use during our community mobilization. We, Men sector will provide more soccer events, school health talks, business outreach, and community empowerment to inform all who live in our community.        

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.