Zisinthe - Let it change

Tiyamike is one of Mbedza's outstanding Hope Ambassadors. She auditioned for a role in our new play - Zisinthe or 'Let it Change'. Tiyamike believes that through Performing Arts people can learn more easily and express themsleves clearly. When she heard that the Hope Ambassadors would be producing a piece of theatre in education she did not hesitate to come forward and after auditioning landed the role of a mother.

She told us: “One thing that I like about the Zisinthe play is that it challenges me to revisit my thoughts about sex and relationships. I have learnt to be more open with my friends about the realities and how they can make sure they are safe from unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections." Tiyamike also noticed that her confidence has grown!

She also said “in the past, I used to lack a group to talk to about these issues. I have grown up in an environment where my parents were not open to me about sex and reelationships even when I reached the adolescent stage. So it has been my wish to talk about these issues and the theatre project gave me what I was dreaming of”.

Our Hope Ambassadors recently performed at Mwanje Primary School to an audience of students aged 9 to 17. In the UK each year group in a school is the same age but in Malawi it’s possible for ages to vary widely. This is part of our ongoing strategy to create a HIV free generation and a much more educated youth, especially about subjects that are not easy to talk about.

We are thrilled and feel very proud of the great work that the Mbedza Hope Ambassadors are doing in the community. They work in coordination with other Mbedza team members. At Mwanje Primary School around 100 students watched the performance, 43 Hope Ambassadors participated and other community members were also present. Our HTC (HIV testing and Counselling) counsellor Bainatu gave a health talk.

Mwanje Primary School has also benefitted from our sanitary kit intervention - you can find out more in the next blog post.