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.