In preparing for the live VSee broadcast to the United States scheduled for this coming Wednesday, members of the Ntonga Music School Ensemble have met several evenings this week to rehearse. It is exciting to witness them learn new musical phrasing, rhythms, harmonies and have FUN! Dave Robain, the saxophone and flute teacher, with the assistance of Sticks and Pokie, dedicates his time to organize, inspire, encourage and support the youth involved in the girls and boys
ensemble. As their sound improves, the youth can feel new possibilities for writing a different chapter in their lives.
Before the ensemble met yesterday afternoon, Dave had an informal conversation with the teenagers about some other tough topics; the issues of HIV or AIDS, relationships, sex and love. Conversations of this nature are important for any youth group, but with the HIV or AIDS rate in South Africa, these conversations are essential for the possibility of writing a different history for the current generation of South African youth. Many youth engaged in the conversation felt the government, unfortunately, encourages sex. In South Africa,"you can live for decades with the disease if you can afford the medication," one student said. For another teenager, born and raised in Uganda, his understanding of HIV or AIDS is very different. Most victims die within a month, as the cost of medication leaves them to suffer without an alternative for treatment.
When Dave asked, "do you guys know your 'status' and has anyone seen an AIDS victim in their last days?" A few students nodded. That visual experience can be a startling awakening. In South Africa, like the United States (medication is provided to keep those infected with HIV or AIDS alive for a longer time.) Medication enables residents living with HIV or AIDS to live a relatively normal life in South Africa. White tents on Saturday afternoons are the only indication of the number of township residents dying from the potent disease. White tents are used on Saturday's to house funerals. The student from Uganda reminded other students, "when I came from Uganda in 2004, white tents were on almost every street in the township on Saturday afternoons." Because South Africans living with HIV or AIDS can keep their life relatively normal, the social and physical cost of the disease remains relatively unnoticed. Without exposure, youth don’t realize the seriousness of HIV or AIDS.
One effective means of teaching is bringing youth to a clinic to witness the real physical effect of AIDS. Dave tours the world. "Before each tour I am tested." My life depends on remaining HIV negative. For Ntonga youth, they must understand the serious consequence of HIV or AIDS. Some may go on to travel the world. However, living in the HIV or AIDS capital is of great risk to their dreams and goals.
What young adults need is someone willing to discuss the topic of safe sex. One youth noted, "I was lucky to have a friend who told me I don’t need to do it to be cool." The youth were very engaged throughout the conversation. Dave reminded the youth to respect and care for one another. He stated, "I was fortunate to receive love and encouragement from my parents." Not all youth are that fortunate, he reminded the group. "Be kind to one another, be there for one another, encourage each other. Change the way people see you and begin to think independently." Lastly, he reminded all young men to treat women right. He told them his perceptions of women. Women must deal with many challenges; menstruation, childbirth, keeping the family together, and sometimes, physical abuse. Women are the pillars of society. They shape us, we must cherish, respect and appreciate them.
By opening this conversation, youth received the support to think for themselves and consider their own behavior. These ideas will influence the next chapter of their and South African history. Those willing to reflect and question the system are able to truly understand a new element of freedom.
More soon, Guguletu
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