Hi all! I have spent the last two years in the Peace Corps as a community health volunteer in Zavala, Mozambique. This region faces many public health challenges, with 14% of people living with HIV, one of the highest rates in the world. Before being evacuated in March, due to COVID 19, I worked with a dedicated Mozambican community leader to obtain a grant for a project to prevent HIV through traditional dance. We were approved for the grant, however, unfortunately, it was revoked due to the shutdown. My close friend and community activist, Isa Cavele, has mentored this dance group for 6 years, and we are hoping (with your help) that we can still implement a new project!


The WUKA Timbila project aims to disseminate health information, through the medium of the Timbila, a xylophone-like instrument, that originated in Zavala. The vision for our project is to restore the tradition of Timbila music and dance through workshops with elders. At the same time, Isa and hospital professionals will train participants in sexual and reproductive health. The youth will become community activists who will create performances centered around topics including HIV and AIDS, premature pregnancy, and child marriage. They will then travel to 10 schools around the district and community events to perform dance, give health presentations, and initiate sustainable health clubs at each school. Additionally, each Saturday Isa will facilitate a youth forum that includes dance, debates, poetry, and music centered around HIV prevention, with a culminating talent show contest.


We are seeking to raise $5,000 for this project. After the initial investment, the project will be self-sustaining. We already have a 30% community contribution of materials including some instruments, venues, and volunteers. Donations will go towards workshop equipment, instruments, maintenance of instruments, uniforms, transportation, manuals, and food. Nibongile ngutu (Thank you very much)!