2006.08.10: August 10, 2006: Headlines: COS - Swaziland: AIDS: HIV: The Swazi Observer: Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati LaMatsebula yesterday paid tribute to the United States peace corps for joining hands with government in its initiative to arrest the spread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Swaziland
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2006.08.10: August 10, 2006: Headlines: COS - Swaziland: AIDS: HIV: The Swazi Observer: Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati LaMatsebula yesterday paid tribute to the United States peace corps for joining hands with government in its initiative to arrest the spread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Swaziland
Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati LaMatsebula yesterday paid tribute to the United States peace corps for joining hands with government in its initiative to arrest the spread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Swaziland
“As a Kingdom we have enjoyed a steadfast, unswerving relationship with the U.S peace corps predominantly known as emavolontiya in our communities. Emavolontiya have over the years been of great assistance to us, and I am glad you have come to take the baton forward,” she stated.
Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati LaMatsebula yesterday paid tribute to the United States peace corps for joining hands with government in its initiative to arrest the spread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Swaziland
Peace corps crucial players in SD - LaMatsebula
By Joseph Katete
HER Royal Highness Inkhosikati LaMatsebula yesterday paid tribute to the United States peace corps for joining hands with government in its initiative to arrest the spread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in the country.
In a speech presented on her behalf by Minister of Tourism, Environment and Communication Thandi Shongwe, during a swearing-in ceremony of the fourth group of volunteers in the country, Inkhosikati LaMatsebula said US peace corps were significant players in addressing challenges posed by HIV and AIDS.
“As a Kingdom we have enjoyed a steadfast, unswerving relationship with the U.S peace corps predominantly known as emavolontiya in our communities. Emavolontiya have over the years been of great assistance to us, and I am glad you have come to take the baton forward,” she stated.
Inkhosikati LaMatsebula urged the 21 new volunteers to work, especially with the youth as they were the most vulnerable.
She noted with concern an ever-increasing number of children who were orphaned due to the disease in the country.
“Your work will make a difference by preparing the next generation (youths) to take their rightful place in the country’s development because they are the most vulnerable. They are the ones who end up caring for their ailing parents and later become heads of their families at a very young age, hence being robbed of their parental care, guidance and proper education,” she said.
She said as a result, across all sectors there was reversal of development gains, especially in education and health.
She added that such could only be stopped if emphasis was put on working with the youth and engaging them in programmes aimed at fostering positive life skills and behaviour.
Congratulating the volunteers, U.S Peace Corps Country Director Patricia Austin said it was time they put into practice what they had been learning in the past nine weeks in Swaziland.
During the period, the volunteers underwent a rigorous training programme with intensive study in language and culture as well as staying with Swazi families.
“Today is not the end of your education but the beginning. It all starts tomorrow [today] when we leave you with your new ‘families’ in the communities. You will see the devastating effects of HIV in the communities. You will also experience the co-operation of the people of Swaziland who are your partners in the noble struggle against HIV,” stated Austin.
Representatives of the volunteers, Marian Gamboa and Mark Weng who impressed attendees when they first spoke in siSwati, said they would rise to the challenges.
Gamboa said tackling HIV and AIDS was a good risk. “Risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is not taking them. A person who does nothing is nothing. They may avoid suffering and sorrow but cannot learn, change, feel, grow, love and live. Changed by their attitudes, they are slaves,” said Gamboa.
She said what was important was that their service in Swaziland had a common goal - to help alleviate the social ramifications of HIV and AIDS within one of the heavily affected countries.
Meanwhile, Weng said everyone had a role to play in fighting HIV and AIDS.
“Everyone has a role in the fight - from the highest policy-setting level to the youngest Swazi girl who convinces her brothers, sisters and parents to get tested,” stated Weng.
The Peace Corps Volunteer Programme in the country dates back years ago. Forty-four peace corps have been in the country already.
In 2002, His Majesty King Mswati III invited them to Swaziland to assist the Swazi government in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
When this story was posted in August 2006, this was on the front page of PCOL:
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Story Source: The Swazi Observer
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Swaziland; AIDS; HIV
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