They're Blogging From Botswana

Nata, Botswana is a vilage of about 5,000 people. HIV/AIDS has devastated this village leaving over 500 orphans. Nearly 40% of the population is HIV positive, and nearly 50% of all pregnant women are HIV positive. The Nata village Blog came about as a result of world traveler Jon Rawlinson meeting Peace Corps Volunteer Melody Jenkins, who took him to Nata. He wanted to help and he offered to create and administer a website for the village. The bloggers include people from the village as well as Jon and Melody and the website is dedicated "to the people of Nata who despite enormous losses and challenges still have the courage and determination to fight the ravages of this pandemic".

So many things we take for granted are luxuries there. In fact, if you have eyeglasses you don't use anymore, send them here:

Nata AIDS and Orphans Trust
P.O. Box 144
Nata, Botswana.

There is an out-of-work and out-of-school youth group Mabogo Arts and Culture Productions that focus on HIV/AIDS Education. They perform songs, dances, and dramas in chruches, private homes, and shabeens (local drinking establishments).

Most people try to hide thier HIV/AIDS because there is great discrimination. The Ntwakgolo Support Group are people who are living with AIDS openly, and have come together to support each other and to educate others.

Thanks to MediaChannel.org for bringing these people and their remarkable story to our awareness!