The Nata village blog

Nata Village Trust takes Christmas to Underprivillaged Rural Children

 

LITTLE BOYS AND THEIR CHRISTMAS TOYS

                                   

COOKING LUNCH                                           LUNCH TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On Saturday the 3rd of December the Trust hosted a Childrens Christmas party for the youngsters of Malelejwa and Tshuane settlements at the Malelejwa health post grounds in the Sua Ward district of Central Botswana These two settlements are approximately 100 kms south of Nata on the eastern side of Sowa Pan and can definitely be classified as " in the bush " . The proceedings were started at approximately 11.30 and included prayer , speeches of welcome , introductions ,  overview of the Trust and finally the arrival of Father Christmas who delivered gifts for the boys and girls together with a welcoming ,delicious cold drink . To say the children were overawed would
be an understatement ! ! There were about 250 children present and they had a fine luncheon  of meat , papa, rice, samp and vegetables which was prepared for them by the parents on fires  next to the clinic .  Balloons and a decorated Christmas tree helped to make the occasion even more festive .After a   thank you from the councillor , the proceedings where finally closed at approximately 4. 00 pm

The Trust wishes to thank all  donors in the past for their generosity and to particularly extend our thanks to the following families who gave generously  for this occasion ; -

  1)  Mrs Mpho Gaobakwe

  2)  Otsetswe  Mosime

  3) Godi and Keith Jeffries

  4) Edith and Margaret Mushango

  5) Ditshetsa and Archie Makepe and

  6) Sethunya and Lenano Mosime

We are  looking forward to a fruitful and prosperous 2012 when we will have several projects which we are preparing to undertake and which we are confident will be successful with your valued support .

From us in Nata and the children of Malelejwa and Tshuane , thank you , have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Seloma Tiro

Chairman

Nata Village Trust

 

 

Hi everyone ! Well , after an absence of nearly a year through no fault of our own ( people being transferred , moving on etc . ) we are back on line and raring to go . We've got some great stuff coming up soooo ........watch this space !
Peter

After nearly 5 years, Nata Blog takes a hiatus

When the Nata Village Blog was first founded in March 2006, the co-founders promised that the blog would not simply fade away.  So many blogs just end without any conclusion or explanation and this will never be the fate of the Nata Blog.  As you can see, we haven't had a posting since July. As you all know, no one on this project was ever paid.  It was a 100% volunteer run project.  When we find another volunteer blogger, the blogging will resume. We will keep the site active so it can serve as a reference and educational tool.  The blog was first founded to raise money to help people reach the ARV clinic in Gweta.  We are happy to announce that we have done that and more.  When the blog was founded, only about 75 people in Nata were taking ARV's.  We now have over 800 people on ARV's and living positively with HIV/AIDS.  Nata Clinic is now an ARV clinic and people no longer have to travel the 60 miles to Gweta to receive treatment.  The Nata AIDS and Orphans Trust continues to assist the people of Nata.  Mr. Seloma Tiro remains the trust chairman and  works tirelessly to assist the people of Nata Village. We would like to announce that we are no longer accepting donations through the paypal site. If you would like to donate to projects, please contact Mr. Seloma Tiro at selomatiro@hotmail.com.  Mr. Tiro is very busy with his businesses in Nata  but spares time to remain Chairman of the Trust.  Co-founder Jon Rawlinson is living in Vancouver, Canada and still works in the field of IT and video productions.  Throughout his world travels, he has assited many non-profit organizations.  See his work or contact him at www.theradblog.com.   Co-founder Melody Jenkins went on to serve as an HIV/AIDS Advisor to Lilongwe City Assembly in Malawi and has recently accepted a 12 month assignment as a Field Program Officer in a remote province in Afghanistan.  She can be reached at melodyinnata@gmail.com  Pedro Martinez has left Nata Village and returned to the United States.  The village appreciates his 2 year effort in Nata. We would like to thank the people of Nata for sharing their stories with the world.  It is also thanks to Chief Kgosi Makgesi that this website was ever started.  He was willing to take a chance and try something that no village in Botswana had ever done.  It is also important to note that our Chief never once asked for anything for himself.  For those of you who have worked in development you know what that means.  Thanks to all our donors and readers.  We promise to get back to blogging as soon as possible.

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.

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.