"Ishi
kwa Afya…Uwe na Uhai!"
In Kiswahilli, the language of East Africa, that means "Staying Healthy...Staying Alive!"
Sponsored by the
United African Alliance Community Center UAACC & Kuji Foundation
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"Ishi
kwa Afya…Uwe na Uhai!" In Kiswahilli, the language of East Africa, that means "Staying Healthy...Staying Alive!" |
This was the chant that rang out through the streets of Arusha last Saturday, April 19, 2003.
A huge crowd of youth carrying colorful banners and homemade posters slowly wound through the neighborhoods and business areas in the Ngarenaro area of the Arusha community, good naturedly challenging onlookers to join the parade. The day was overcast with drizzles of rain pelting the marchers from time to time. Nobody seemed to mind though. We all considered ourselves soldiers in a life or death campaign...a campaign to save lives through education...save lives through positive life choices.
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More than 600 youths streamed into the activities hall at the Technical College Arusha and learned and shared knowledge through maigizo, ngoma, discussions, video, and rap! |
Artists from Moshi based Rafiki Arts Group and the White Orange Youth organization enlightening the audience through a lively maigizo |
"You
youth are all revolutionaries...committed soldiers, out to make a difference in
our community...spreading powerful knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention..."
...UAACC managing director, Pete O'Neal said.
Most of the youth organizers agreed that the way forward, toward an eventual
eradication of HIV/AIDS is:
lAbstinence
lFaithful
Monogamy
(with one tested partner)
and
l Condoms
(as a not very
effective, last resort)
Youth from the following activists organizations participated in the festival including:
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The KushKemet Actors Group (based at UAACC) |
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African Traditional Dance Group |
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Aang Serian Peace Village Group |
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The Maasai Arts Group |
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The White Orange Youth Organization (based in Moshi town) |
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Rafiki Arts Group (based in Moshi town) |
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African Youth Health Promotion Group |
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ChemChem Kidedeo (based in Dar es Salaam & often featured on an ITV television sitcom) |
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Bongo Street Boys |
Included also on the program was the
East African premier of
"JUNGU KUU"
an HIV/AIDS education film featuring the KushKemet Actors Group and the African Traditional
Dance Group.
The film was edited by Sister Joju Cleaver ji Jaga of the Kuji Foundation.
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"You
are a child of the universe |
These are the words that Charlotte O'Neal told the crowd of youth, quoting from the famous poem, "The Desiderata." But it was emphasized time and time again throughout the day, that with that right there is a choice...and that choice is simply... Life...or Death! |
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Brother Ali Mhina served as the very able MC for the
festival.
His lively banter, sometimes assisted by Bro. Steve Mnguto, added spice and
laughter to an otherwise solemn, serious subject. Ali is pictured above
with Mama E., who rendered a touching testimony from her perspective as a woman
who has lived with HIV/AIDS for nearly twelve years! This courageous woman
answered all the questions put to her by the audience and the community, when
the basket was passed around, gave generously what they had. It is hoped
that the monies collected will ease some of Mama E's suffering because of the
disease.
Honorable Paul Lotha Laiser who is Mayor of Arusha, served as Guest of Honor for the event. He urged the crowd to always consider HIV/AIDS victims as still belonging to our community...our families.
"The time of shunning people because of AIDS has passed!"
News FLASH!!! Read an article about the event in ARUSHA
TIMES
Just click here to
read: "The War Against AIDS Escalates!"
ALSO
Read an important letter to the Editor
of ARUSHA TIMES from the O'Neal's
Click on the mailbag section
to read the letter in the May 3 - 9 issue
