12 Nov 2015

Shadows Arts Production group, a theatre group from Monarch location in Francistown, is spreading a  vigorous message on behavioural change.

The group, which was funded by the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture to the tune of P76 000 last month under the youth arts grant, has already embarked on campaigns aimed at combating social ills such as multi concurrent partnerships, the spread of sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, gender based violence.

Their message is based on abstinence and healthy sexual behaviour to the youth.

In an interview, the coordinator of the group, Mr Oarabile Seboko, stated that their campaign had targeted 10 schools in Francistown including primary, junior and senior schools and they have also targeted five outreach of which will be done during November and December this year. 

Mr Seboko said they were using 12 peer educators, who would be interacting with students and public to teach them about behavioural change.

Furthermore, he said as a group they had realised that as holidays approach the people’s mood swings due to festive excitement and they are using that opportunity to spread messages to the public in order to limit and curb the chances of the spread of HIV/AIDS, he said they also advice students to abstain from sexual relationships so as to prevent teenage pregnancy and consequently dropping out from school.  

Mr Seboko said the government is trying hard to combat those social ills, but it is high time that other stakeholders such as their group and other NGOs to take part in assisting the government since it cannot manage to do it alone.

He further said intergenerational sexual relation, multi concurrent relationship are prevailing in the city and are the main factors that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS. 

Moreover he said people should refrain from drinking alcohol while they are on ARV treatment since it can put their lives in danger.

Mr Seboko praised the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture for funding his group, stressing that the funds will not only benefit the public due to the their spreading of messages but also the peer educators who will be getting stipends that improve their lives, he said his group does not only deal with theater but uses both facilitation and poetry to spread message to the public.

Additionally, Mr Seboko stated that as a result-oriented group they intend to give back to the society in the future by identifying  an unfortunate member of the society  and assisting him or her. 

He urged stakeholders such as chiefs, councilors, Village Development Committee members and business people to partake in their campaign so as to make it a success. Ends