GETTING TO ZERO - WORLD AIDS DAY COMMEMORATION 2013

WORLD AIDS DAY EVE

World Aids Day was commemorated in Mwandi with what has become a  local tradition . At 1700h on Sunday evening the staff and general public met at the Simunga (Big Tree) at the market for the March led by the UCZ Boys Brigade Drums to the Candle-lit AIDS day Eve Service at the Mission Hospital Chapel. Those participating included choirs some hospital staff, government employees, adult members and children from the Mwandi Churches and members of the public. All the children from Orphan and Vulnerable Centre carried red balloons.

The Service began with a prayer from Father Natun of the Roman Catholic Church. The congregation was then welcomed by Mr Sililo who represented the Mwandi District Commissioner, Mrs Afuna Chali, then Mr Kenny Lubinda gave a word of encouragement. Our Candle Lighting Ceremony began with one candle being lit and its light passed on to the next individual who in turn passed their light on until all the candles were lit. There followed a moment of silence in loving memory and in respect for loved ones who have died from AIDS. Pastor Kalimina from the New Apostolic Church then preached a short sermon on human stigma and the compassion of God. The UCZ Praise Team followed up with some appropriate choruses as did the Faith Tabernacle and the Catholic choirs. Pastor Muleba then closed in prayer.

 

It was appropriate that the service took place on the first Sunday of Advent, a time of expectancy and hope for Christians, a time for lighting candles of hope, as we wait for light to come out of the darkness again and remember the importance of the light coming into our lives over 2000 years ago. The light and the silence for the departed brought our fellowship, our support for one another and our prayers together. The lighted candles bringing hope for new beginnings and new opportunities on our journey in life.

 

 

 

WORLD AIDS DAY

The next day the forms from the Basic School were arranged under the shade of the big spreading trees in the school yard. The soft furniture from the Head’s office was placed at the disposal of the Guests of Honour. The school, hospital and government staff gathered at 0900h for the opening prayer and singing of the national anthem. The newly appointed District Medical Officer welcomed the Government Guest of Honour, Mr Sililo, the Assistant District Commissioner, who gave the opening speech.

 

The two school choirs along with the Faith Tabernacle and Catholic Choir all participated in the event. The Basic School High School and the RC Choir all entered teams for the 2 Round Quiz. Over and above this were drama sketches and traditional dancing all stressing the importance of HIV prevention, treatment care and support and including possible areas of gender inequality that work against these efforts to provide care, access and adherence with stigma and discrimination. This Commemoration ended at around 1230h with a closing prayer.