Libode brings to light Aids pandemic
TO COMMEMORATE World Aids Day, which is observed annually on December 1, 14 Libode schools came together and hosted an HIV/Aids awareness event at Mount Nicholas Junior Secondary yesterday.
Hundreds of guests, including officials from various government departments, non-profit organisations, officials from Nyanda municipality and school staff attended the event.
Pupils from various schools took turns to showcase poetry items, song, dance and drama pieces based on the topic.
Motivational and guest speakers also addressed the crowd on the pandemic. Awareness brochures, pamphlets and merchandise were also distributed.
Pupils engaged in debates, where they came up with solutions on fighting issues they are faced with in their communities.
Mount Nicholas school teacher and soul buddy facilitator Babalwa Mtimfo said it was important for the schools to come together, raise awareness and commemorate the day. Mtimfo said their community was affected by HIV/Aids, teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse – among other social ills.
The teacher said they had hosted the event with neighbouring schools because they wanted to create an impact in their community and society, as all the schools shared the same concerns about the communities. “The community faces a lot of challenges around the Aids pandemic and also other related issues such as teenage pregnancy and substance abuse.
“What better way than to have the pupils engage each other, talk about the problems and come up with solutions in fighting these problems,” she said.
St Johns College Grade 10 pupil Athule Rani, 13, said she was excited her school was invited to take part in the event.
Athule, who delivered a speech on knowing one’s HIV/Aids status, said it was not only important to make people aware of the pandemic, but also to motivate those who were affected to take control of their lives.
She said, “there is still a large number of people in our communities who are not aware or think the issue does not or cannot affect them. It is important for us as the youth and the future generation to change this and better our communities”.
Mtimfo said they were hoping to have the event annually and rope in more schools and also get the communities involved in the next celebration.
The schools that participated in yesterday’s event are Mount Nicholas Junior Secondary, St Johns College, Victor Poto SSS, Magavisa SSS, Sehushe Commercial School, Ndiweni SSS, Gxulu Primary, Mtyu SSS, Phondolwendlovu, Mdeni SSS, Tutor Ndamase SSS, Wabane SSS, Chief Henry Bokleni SSS and Bhekizulu SSS.