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"I Got The Message"
Jill Kruger. March 2005.
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?“I?’ve always believed that writing is for people with a special talent. But now I have learnt that writing is about expressing your feelings simply, in the form of pictures, drawings or music. Therefore the only thing that we need to develop is confidence in ourselves so that all we can become good writers?” (Educator).
This heartfelt statement reflects the general view of Educators and Advisors from 13 primary and secondary schools in KwaZulu-Natal who took part in a writing enrichment workshop in September 2004.
The project is the brainchild of Ms Khanyi Dubuzana, Chief Education Specialist, ELITS (Education, Library, Information, Technology Services). It was supported by Mr Sibongiseni Chonco, HIV and AIDS Life Skills Education Project Manager, DoE and planned in consultation with Jill Kruger of HIVAN (Centre for HIV and AIDS Networking), University of KwaZulu-Natal.
The workshop was based on the experiential principle: ?“What you do not know and understand, you cannot convey to others?”. The workshop opened with sensitisation training on HIV and AIDS by HIVAN?’s Network team members: Ms Nicola Stanley and Ms Makhosi Mweli. ?“The Hitch-hiker?’s Guide to the HIV Prevention Galaxy?” and the documentary film ?“Deadly Myths??” were used as key tools to bring (mis)understandings and prejudices to the fore. Prof Dorian Haarhoff, poet, published writer and skilled writing workshops trainer, then led participants into the mental domain of the writer.
In October 2004 Educators worked with learners to elicit stories and poems on HIV and AIDS. A small team of learners chose stories to interpret and illustrated them with line drawings under the guidance of Neith Moore, Head of Art, Durban Girls?’ High.
The end result is an anthology of writings by learners, for learners. A dying mother, a struggling sister, a courageous activist, a rapist brother, a friendship that strengthens. The anthology ?“I Got the Message?” represents the voices of children and teenagers in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. These learners aged seven to sixteen years from rural and urban schools have voiced their compassion, desperation and understanding of the AIDS pandemic. They have also expressed their aspirations and hopes for the future in the turbulent times of the 21st century.
This anthology is a joint venture between the ELITS Directorate (Education Library, Information, Technical Services), within the KZN Department of Education and Culture and HIVAN (Centre for HIV and AIDS Networking), University of KwaZulu-Natal. |
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