The Nata village videoblog, Episode 2: Mabogo!

MABOGO!  Mabogo Arts and Culture Productions is an out of school and out of work youth group that concentrates on HIV/AIDS Education.  The youth perform songs, dances and dramas that tell a story about HIV/AIDS, STD’s (Sexually Transmitted Diseases), and ARV’s (Anti-Retroviral Medications).  The group is funded by the Masthelo Community Development Association which is an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization). The group has a coordinator that is responsible for training and supervising the members.  The youth each receive 260 Pula ($55) per month for educating the community in Nata.  The members take their educational performances straight into the heart of the community.  They perform in churches, private homes, shabeens (local drinking establishments) and bars.  Mabogo Members are extremely talented and have received recognition at local and regional competitions.  Because most of the villagers in Nata do not have TV’s, radios and many are illiterate, the education that Mabogo provides is often the only education that villagers receive about HIV/AIDS.  Mabogo is one of the most effective educational tools in the fight of HIV/AIDS in Nata. 

THE CHALLENGES

Because the members are paid only $55 per month, many will move on to other employment when it becomes available.  The work that Mabogo does is critical in educating Nata Villagers about HIV/AIDS.  Mabogo is currently trying to get registered as a Community Based Organization so that they can apply for grants from the many funding sources in Gabarone (the capitol).  Their constitution has been submitted to the Registrar of Societies in Gabarone.  We are currently awaiting a response.  Let it be noted that registration can take more than a year as the constitutions are frequently returned for minor errors.  The work that these young people are doing is worth a decent salary and until they are paid a fair wage, the members will continue to come and go. 

THE SUCCESSES

Members of Mabogo Arts and Culture Production are providing a vital service to the people of Nata.  They are educating people in the local languages and in culturally sensitive ways.  Using interactive dramas and audience participation is extremely beneficial.  The Mabogo group along with the People Living with AIDS support group, are the two most important educational groups in Nata.  They deserve our support.

The Nata village videoblog, Episode 1

Everyday Nata clinic opens with singing. Mma Dieketso leads the patients in song.  More about Nata clinic.

if you're having problems with the playback of this video try the Quicktime version. (14 MB)

Comments

[John McILwraith]

I hope that Jesus Christ will be the center of your faith as in him there is life.

God Bless your people.

John McIlwraith
Vancouver
British Columbia
Canada

[ONOSI KEDISITSWE]

ARE NATA RESIDENTS MAKING A CHANGE ABOUT HIV AND AIDS,CALL A KGOTLA MEETING TO COME OUT WITH SOLUTIONS TO SWAY THE PANDEMIC DISEASE.

[phillimon mmesochamme]

thank you for the information you gave me yesterday. hope you will spread this to other villages in botswana. you're fighting the good fight without counting your words and labour and expecting no rewards. ALUTA CONTINUA!

[Melody Jenkins]

Thank you Phillimon. We really appreciate your support. We're happy to let folks know that Phillimon is a correspondent for several newspapers in Botswana. He intervied me and Mr. Tiro yesterday and was shocked to see all the work we have done here in Nata. It's people like Phillimon that keep us fighting the fight. Melody Jenkins, technical advisor, blogger www.natavillage.org