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)
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
Posted by: John McILwraith | April 20, 2006 at 08:50 PM
ARE NATA RESIDENTS MAKING A CHANGE ABOUT HIV AND AIDS,CALL A KGOTLA MEETING TO COME OUT WITH SOLUTIONS TO SWAY THE PANDEMIC DISEASE.
Posted by: ONOSI KEDISITSWE | October 29, 2007 at 12:39 PM
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!
Posted by: phillimon mmesochamme | December 11, 2007 at 06:17 PM
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
Posted by: Melody Jenkins | December 12, 2007 at 10:34 AM
good work guys,keep it up!! are you doing another tornament this year?
Posted by: Kasper Makolo | January 07, 2010 at 09:41 PM
Good work guys keep it up!but there are some people in the village who still need to be informed on HIV/AIDS watch that space.
Posted by: Dineo Chilisa | February 26, 2011 at 11:20 AM