Grassroots is currently busy preparing for the annual tour of the UK, having just completed SCF 09. Recent developments in Zimbabwe shall definitely be of interest to many across the globe and we hope theatre shall play its role. We are looking forward to introducing various platforms to enable our fans and friends to participate in the work of Grassroots, both in Zimbabwe and in the UK. We believe in the power of partnerships and friendships to share knowledge or ideas, to dream and turning dreams into realitY. There are opportunities in the areas of working with rural children as part of Sanganisai Children’s Festival, rural women living with HIV/AIDS and helping with Grassroots Zimbabwe office in the area of publicity and marketing. There are also volunteering opportunities in documenting Grassroots’ works while touring abroad and taking part in some of the performances. The sky is the limit and please do get in touch with us if you happen to have something exciting and relevant to this work, or if you are interested in taking part in any of the above project. “Aluta continua”
We were unsure, at times frustrated by events that made SCF 08 postponed to 2009, as Zimbabwe held the worst political elections ever. The consequences of this shameful era affected the most vulnerable parts of Zimbabwe, needless to mention rural children and women. Our focus, will-power and aspirations remain alive and this year we were able to run yet another empowering and strengthening educational theatre program in Masvingo rural, promoting child abuse, TB and HIV/AIDS awareness. The response was overwhelming and testimonies from the children and villagers very much encouraging. “We appreciate this work, it brings so much joy and lessons to us”, says Machingura, a form four pupil from Rukovo High. More than five thousand (5000) people participated in the program, including six rural schools that hosted Grassroots during a two weeks theatre in education training program. Watch out for SCF 09 Magazine to be published on our website in the nearest future. We are thankful to all those who supported this year’s program. A formal report is on its way.
“Thank you Grassroots for this wonderful experience, am convinced most people will go home and encourage their partners to go for HIV/AIDS testing so that they know their status…” The comment was passed by a World Vision field officer (food programme) after the last performance at Nketa 9 clinic in Bulawayo. Grassroots has been collaborating with World Vision from November 2008 to February 2009 on an HIV/AIDS counselling and psycho-social theatre project. All in all, we have performed to more than four thousand people and we hope the message will benefit many people in and around Bulawayo.
Preliminary visits have been made, meetings with villagers and local Co-ordinators have gone well. SCF will go ahead even though schools remain closed. We shall continue to use village schools as venues for workshops and performances. Another visit shall take place end of next week to strategise the process, hoping to start the workshops by end of this month. We also hope that the current developments in local politics will improve for the better. We will keep you posted.
