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.
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