BAMBELELA Arts Ensemble (BAE) has launched a behaviour change schools initiative dubbed “Buddyz 4 Luv” aimed at addressing HIV and Aids as well as youth-related issues using community theatre. DIVINE DUBE Own Correspondent
The initiative uses “edutainment” theatre to address a plethora of issues such as sexual and reproductive health rights, drug abuse, peer pressure, HIV and Aids as well as teenage pregnancy, among other issues affecting teenagers and uses serialised plays to tackle some of the issues.
Organisers of the project told Southern Eye Lifestyle that the programme which runs during the first school term kicks off today with two separate shows lined up for Msiteli High School and Methodist Vocational Training centre in Bulawayo.
BAE director Witness Tavarwisa said the programme targeted about 20 educational institutions per province.
“The project targets 20 schools per province. Our target is to reach out to 36 000 young boys and girls in 120 educational institutions in six provinces in Zimbabwe, with Bulawayo alone reaching an average of 9 000 per term,” he said.
Tavarwisa also said the project was a collaboration between the Education ministry and BAE aimed at educating the schoolchildren on HIV and Aids.
The ensemble has set up “Buddyz 4 Luv” clubs in several schools in Bulawayo with members participating in essay writing, comic strips and drama competitions.
These clubs also create a user-friendly platform that encourages children to actively participate in identifying and addressing issues that affect them.
