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The Nema Foundation has always given considerable support to any HIV programs that come our way. With approximately half a million children already orphaned by AIDS in Mozambique and a further 102 children infected by HIV every day, it’s something that is hard to ignore.
HIV / AIDS Theatre Performances
Our HIV theatre performances were widely celebrated throughout the region, with the group performing in every one of the 12 villages that Nema is currently working with. The performances were enormous spectacles dragging in a huge audience in every village.
People would climb palm trees in desperation to watch over the heads of the adoring crowd.
A special highlight was the actor playing the part of the ‘witch-doctor’, who repeatedly drew barrages of laughter from the crowd as he ‘cured’ the HIV suffering patient with his spells and potions. Sadly, this is an all too common occurrence here, as the majority of victims are not aware they have the virus in the first place and on being told they have been the victim of a curse, know no better than to believe it. Unfortunately the HIV plays have now come to a finale for this year, and the group are already preparing new plays for malaria awareness.
Youth Football AIDS Project
We're also proud to announce the kick-off of the much awaited Football HIV project, targeted at 12 - 19 year olds. The scheme has long been in the pipe line but it was only with the fantastic collaboration with Kick4Life (http://www.kick4life.org/) that we have been able to get started.
At the beginning of next week the training of our two coaches (stars from the HIV theatre group) will begin their training and start the Kick4Life program.
By the middle of this month we hope to begin, primarily with the village of Lumuama. Overall we aim to be able to put more than 5,000 boys and girls through the program over the course of the year. The program integrates the necessary points in HIV education with football games and strategy. A sure fire method of attracting and keeping the concentration of a football loving nation!
Support for HIV+ Families
This year has also seen the start of a project which supports HIV+ families. Poverty accelerates both the onset of AIDs and the infection rates of HIV. Nema therefore helps these families through:
Health support: running nutrition and malaria workshops in the households and providing mosquito nets
Emotional support: counselling and helping the family ensure the virus does not spread further
Livelihood support: helping to find new, less physically demanding, work to provide an income for the family
