ACHIVA Addressing the Challenge of HIV and AIDS

Travelling to Montshiwa next, they were welcomed by old friends in the parish, and found a new HIV/AIDS and Skills Initiative committee in place, amongst which it was encouraging to see new faces. Masi travelled with them to assist with community programmes in the parish. Nevertheless they were unaware of the surprises which awaited them in respect of progress made since the last visit in January, 2010.

The first was that the building almost directly opposite the church had become a working Skills Centre. Much in evidence were the beading and sewing stations, which had already produced intricate and attractive articles. Most striking was the production of football items, including tracksuits, by the young people’s group. The ladies from Kidlington were measured for their “kit” which was to be worn on Sunday afternoon, along with scarves knitted in the South African National colours by an older lady from the congregation.

In advance they were told of a programme planned for the Saturday, but the name of the new centre to be officially opened then was kept secret until Fr Vincent Moche’s sermon during the Saturday morning Eucharist.

Imagine her astonishment and joy when Kathryn found that the Iniative was to bear her Setswana name! Later she was to lead out the congregation to the Centre and was privileged to be first to turn the key in the door!

For more about the Moitsheki Centre, including its Business Plan, see here.

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