The Nata village blog

CLOTHING & FOOD DRIVE FOR THE ORPHAN AND NEEDY CHILDREN IN NATA VILLAGE

natavillage — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:12:02 -0800

Mr and Mrs Kraai from South West Gaborone put together an awesome traditional luncheon to raise food and clothing for all the Needy and Orphan children living in Nata Village. The day kicked off with many family members preparing food for all the guest. Each guest who arrived brought a trash bag full of clothing or canned food to donate. All guest who brought clothing or canned food received a t-shirt with a log that read "I'm from Nando 5" The word nando 5 translates to Nata Village.Soon after all the introductions were done and the guest received their flashy t-shirt to wear. The guest were treated to a nice traditional food of their choice. Approximately 45 guest attended this excellent event to support the needy. All donations will be given to the Orphan and Needy on the 21st of November when we have our third annual Christmas Party in Nata Village. The trust would like to thank all the family members and friends who put together this amazing event.

Wellness day in Nata Primary school

natavillage — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:40:16 -0700

Students from Nata Primary School put together a day of education and Health. Parents, Teachers, and P.T.A. members were encourage to come and listen to the students message. The primary school students put together real live scenarios affecting their young lives. Role playing was the key to make all spectators understand what every child has experience in the hands of their protectors. Poverty and alcohol abuse by love one's is the main reason students are not getting a good education. Lack of responsibly and carelessness on both the parents and elders have made it impossible for a child to attend school and learn. Furthermore, the students invited many guess speakers from the Village to explain their profession and the ability to get a good education. Poems were read by students as the message was pass on to all who attended the Wellness fair.

GRANDMOTHER OF SEVEN GRANDCHILDREN NEEDS A HOME

natavillage — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 06:03:22 -0700

A picture to tug at the heart strings. Bright Kholi, News Editor of The Ngami Times, came across this pitiful sight when visiting the Nata area recently. He found living in Manakanagore ward an old woman in her mid 70s - what makes her different from other grandmothers is she does not have a house to live in, and neither does she have a toilet. Thamalalo Reetsanye lives literally in the open with four grandchildren dumped on her by seemingly uncaring parents. Their arrival has made life even worse for her as she survives on her food rations from the local council and her old age pension, which she has to share with her grandchildren. United States Peace Corps volunteer Pedro Martinez said Reetsanye and her grandchildren – one of whom attends Nata Primary School - live in appalling conditions. It appears the parents are able bodied and are supposed to take care of their children but have instead sent the children to their grandmother. Martinez says he would like to see the old woman being helped with a house and a toilet to escape the harsh weather conditions. She is “not supposed to be living in those conditions. I simply call upon the business community everywhere to help put up a structure for her,” he said. Those willing to help can call Peter Martinez on 75014128.

HIV/AIDS, AND TURERCULOSIS EDUCATION ON THE FIELDS

natavillage — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:37:15 -0700

Health Assistant Educators and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission spend all week out in the Cattle Posts (the bush) and the surrounding villages assisting and educating all field workers who live out in the bush. The team of four will try their best to explain the importance of staying on their medications and learning more about Tuberculosis (T.B), as well as using all methods of protection during sexual intercourse. In addition, the team will include a talk on A(H1N1). Botswana's Ministry of Health has confirmed and verified a few cases in the area. The team will do their best to reach all near by Cattle Posts, Schools, Businesses, and Social Gatherings.

MEN'S SECTOR SOCCOR TOURNAMENT

natavillage — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:11:50 -0700

Nata Village Men’s Sector Support group along with Tebelopele coordinated and facilitated an exciting all around soccer tournament for the four day weekend. During the long weekend all six wards in Nata Village participated in a six team knock out soccer tournament. The soccer tournament is a series of Campaign’s to allow all spectators and teams to test and acknowledge their status. Also, to get more information on HIV/AIDS, STI’S, Alcohol Abuse, and Positive healthy living. All six teams were winners in the field and out the field. First place winners received three soccer balls and a pair of nets. The rest of the teams were able to collected one ball each. All the teams found out their HIV status with the fifteen minute rapid test. Furthermore, 1,362 spectators were reached during the match and educated by Tebelopele on the importance of their ABC’S, Abstain, Be Faithful, and Condomize. 158 men, 122 women tested for their status, as well as 12 couples. The four day soccer tournament was a success throughout the community.

Flamingo Primary and High School visits Makongwa School in Nata

natavillage — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:01:19 -0700

On the 2nd July,2009 Mokongwa Primary School welcomed Flamingo Primay and High school from Sua township. Flamingo Primary and High School was in Nata Village to give clothes and shoes to the Orphans and Needy students at Makongwa Primary School. Makongwa Primary School has 36 Orphans and Needy. The students received clothing, shoes, Jersey and track suits.

Mr. Seloma Tiro Chairman of Nata Aids and Orphan Trust,Caregivers and Parents of the needy students were in attendance to assist with donations. There were also Visitors from Hong Kong and South Africa to help. Nata Aids and Orphan Trust would like to take this oportunity to thank every one who is making a difference in the lives of orphans and needy with their contributions. There were plenty of smiles on the faces of all students.

www.mothersforall.com

natavillage — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:34:32 -0700

June 21st 2009, was the second workshop provided by Mothers For All to Ntwakgolo Support group. The support group will continue to work on making necklaces, bracelets, and earings out of old magazines. The project will help the support group with sustainable living income. By using old magazines to create this beautiful product, it will reduce waste paper in the Village. This project will give the support group money and on the other hand, keep our environment clean. To view all the product go to www.mothersforall.org and place an order to support the cause. The Natavillage support group, Ntwakgolo is mainly women living with HIV and or supporting Orphan children living with the virus.

CONTRIBUTIONS AT WORK

natavillage — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:51:15 -0700

Nata Village has a population of 6000+ people living in six community wards. Each ward, which includes the following, Sekao, Basimane, Maaloso, Manakanagore, Makwenaejwang, and Kachikau each have one chief and a place to hold weekly meetings (kgotla). During the past years all six wards did not have a sign or anything identifying the community by their given name.In the coming month all six wards will have a large sign with the wards name on it. The signs will help each ward by posting announcements for the coming week or any special events. The community will benefit greatly from this project.

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY VISITS NATA VILLAGE

natavillage — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:57:46 -0700

Nata Primary School got a warm visit from two professors, eight university students and one husband from Lake Superior State University in America to donate clothing, shoes, sports equipment and candy for the Orphan and Needy students. Their visit was short but enjoyable, during the distribution of all the items they collected in the States. More than 126 Orphan and Needy students received a pair of shoes, one t-shirt or jersey, one toy, one tooth brush with tooth paste, and a hand full of candy. All students were accompanied by their care givers during this great event. The distribution was made possible by the University, Nata Primary School Teachers, K. Rancholo, and Mr. Tiro. The care givers were very happy for this special event. The Orphan and Needy students were happy and excited for this great and wonderful contribution by Lake Superior State University. The visit from the University was an excellent day for all of us in Nata Village.

The Visit by Lake Superior State University to Nata Village was the first of it's kind and hopefully not the last one by any school or organazation.

NATIONAL MEASLES AND VITAMIN-A CAMPAIGN IN NATA VILLAGE

natavillage — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:47:40 -0700

No child left behind is Nata's theme for the first round of vitamin-a supplementation in June 1st-7th. The Ministry Of Health is conducting a Measles and Vitamin-A National Compaign. During the campaign, all children aged nine months to five years will be given a dose of Measles vaccine. An oral dose of Vitamin-A will be given to all children aged six months to five years. All parents and caretakers are urged to bring their children to the vaccination posts during this campaign. The Ministry of health hopes everyone in Nata Village will take advantage of this opportunity to keep their children strong and healthy.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF NORTH GATE LODGE

natavillage — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:42:10 -0700

This was Nata’s greatest ever party!

Nata, that little village at the crossroads to Maun and Kasane, had never seen anything like it!

It seemed that the whole village turned out for the official opening of the swish North Gate Lodge and then went to the Nata Bird Sanctuary lookout point at Sua Pan to a mega party well into the night on Saturday.

It was a day and night villagers will never forget as lodge owner Seloma Tiro and his staff, led by general manager Peter McClelland and his wife Susan, deputy general manager, pulled out all the stops to make it a huge success.

The event at the lodge was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-Operation,Phandu Skelemani, who unveiled a plaque commemorating the event. Also present was Oliphant Mfa, MP for Nata/Gweta and Botswana Tourism Board chairperson Myra Sekgororoane, as well as other dignitaries.

Skelemani described Tiro as “a man from humble beginnings, much like most of us” who had first opened a trading store, then built a garage and also took over a filling station - “then to our surprise he knocked down the trading store and built the shopping centre. North Gate Lodge is the latest result.”

The minister said “realising a vision needs a lot of hard work - - “this is an encouragement to all of us. Dream big and you have the stamina.”

He described the lodge – which employs 35 people - as a significant development and a milestone for Nata and surrounding areas. Predicting that the lodge will enhance business in Nata in general, Skelemani described it as an ideal location for travellers to the Chobe and the Okavango delta.

Sekgororoane told about 200 guests that tourism needed standards and that some tourism establishments were lacking in basic requirements.

“Service delivery is a source of concern,” she added.

After the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed a huge variety of food and refreshments around the pool area before many left for the Nata Bird Sanctuary, where food and refreshments were also served at a party that continued well into the night.

SUA COMMUNITY JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

natavillage — Mon, 25 May 2009 05:39:12 -0700

Approximately 600+ students at Sua Community Junior Secondary School received a very informative and educational health talk on HIV/AIDS, STI'S, Teen age pregnancy, Alcohol Abuse, and Domestic violence. Peter Martinez, Peace Corps Volunteer from California was more than serious when addressing the young students on this critical and important issues. With role playing and statistics on the rate of HIV infections in their community. The message was loud and clear and all the students left the assembly with a better understanding of whats expected of them.

Ntwakgolo Support Group

natavillage — Mon, 25 May 2009 05:25:09 -0700

The month of May was very educational for the Ntwakgolo support group. First, the support group just received their six week training course on leather and sewing work certificates. This work shop enables the support group to work independently from home. Making leather shoes, jackets, purses, and wallets. Second, the support group is now enjoying bead work by using paper and or magazines. The support group can now make neclaces, bracellets, and earings. The work will hopefully help the support group earn an income. If you wish to see their projects go to www.mothersforall.org

DONATIONS AT WORK (MURAL PROJECT)

natavillage — Sun, 10 May 2009 02:42:42 -0700

Nata Village along with Sua Secondary School Health Club and Nata Primary School were able to draw and paint to Murals educating their community on staying health and knowing their status. Both Sua Secondary School and Nata Primary School worked hard putting this event together. The students hope the message will hit home with their Mural education. The students will continue to educate their community and travelers with more Murals on the A3 road that passes through their community.

A tranquil lodge at a key intersection

natavillage — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:19:03 -0700

Nata is the proud host of North Gate Lodge, a new accommodation facility that is strategically located at the Kasane, Francistown and Maun road intersection.

The lodge has become the centre of attraction in the small Nata Central Business District for both locals and tourists alike.

Nata, naturally a traditional village which for many years had only one accommodation facility, has felt the demand for more accommodation establishments after the bush fire that gatted down the one facility.

Nata is a very important place as it serves as a gateway to both the Chobe and the Okavango Delta – and that is what makes the lodge so vital to tourists and business travellers alike.

Seloma Tiro, the owner, is a man who had a vision of building a lodge slap-bang in the middle of Nata, and that's how North Gate Lodge was born. The lodge is in the good hands of Peter McClelland, the general manager, and his wife, Susan, who is deputy general manager. They have, along with Tiro, worked tirelessly to get the lodge to where it is today – an oasis in the almost barren landscape of the Nata area. There are 24 rooms - including chalets, family rooms, executive rooms and single rooms – all of which are well-furnished and competitively priced. There is also a conference facility and the bluest swimming pool one can imagine. The rooms are equipped with TV and air conditioners which all add to the comfort of the rooms.

Very convenient parking is available within the lodge property for guests and the area is under 24-hour security surveillance so one does not worry about the vehicles.

The McClellands cannot hide their happiness at operating the establishment and they talk of North Gate Lodge with such passion!

It is not so surprising as the cool and tranquil lodge almost makes one forget the busy, noisy life going on outside its walls in the village of Nata . It provides an environment in which one can have a peaceful rest after a long drive. According to Peter they provide tours to the Makgadikgadi Pans, Kubu Island, and Nata Bird Sanctuary as well as Nxai Pan with its famous Baines Baobabs.

Peter wants to turn Nata into a destination rather a stop over - “we want people come here because they want to visit Nata, and not because they are passing through to Chobe or the Okavango delta,” he said.

The lodge started operating in July 2008, finally securing its licence in January after months of operating with a temporary licence.

Next time you are in Nata, try it out at North gate Lodge, the fully stocked wet bar is situated right next to the swimming pool!

NATAVILLAGE HAS INTER NET AVAILABILITY

natavillage — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 06:54:14 -0700

Nata Village finally gets inter net accessability for all the travelrs, campers, and the community to use when ever the need to send a quick message. Nata Village has three locations where you can access the inter net. First, the post office has six computers available to be used at any time. Furthermore, you have the availability to make copies and send faxes around the world and back. Second, Wild Butchery has four computers and a fax machine that can be used. Finally, North Gate Lodge also has inter net for any one to use.

DONATIONS AT WORK

natavillage — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:23:33 -0700

R.A.D.S.( REMOTE AREA DEVELOPMENT SERVICE) Peter Martinez, Kenewang Rancholo and Seloma Tiro put smiles on the childrens faces at the R.A.D.S hostel in Nata Village, by giving them nine soccer balls donated by the trust. The balls are to be used by students after school at their recreation facility. The students and teachers were very happy because they have different teams and they can now practice and compete well. It is very good to excise, those were the words of Mr. Tiro when he was issueing out the balls. After doing their school home work, the students can now enjoy their afternoons by playing soccer. The trust would like to thank everybody who contributes.

K. RAMAKAMA SAYS GOODBYE TO NATA CLINIC

natavillage — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:46:42 -0700

Miss. Ramakama has been working in the medical field for approximately fifteen years. Miss. Ramakama started working in the Kgalagadi Distirict, then was transfered to Sebina Clinic, and finally Nata Clinic Tutume Sub Distirict. The local government encourages all their employees to work in different sub districts during their work history. Finally, Miss. Ramakama gets to work in her Sub District Selebi Phikwe. Miss. Ramakama gave fifteen years of her service to the local government. Her leadership and skills brought awarness to the community during any out break of bacteria or diseases. Miss. Ramakama was always addressing the community on health awarness and nutrition for a better living. During her six years at Nata Clinic her staff was greatfull for her attendance and work performance. We all wish her well on her next advanture in Selebi Phikwe.

CLEARING FOR NEW SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

natavillage — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:33:20 -0700

Finally, Nata Village is going to have a Senior Secondary School. The bush has been cleared. In two or three years students from Nata village and the serounding villages are going to have their own Senior Secondary Shool In Nata. Students from Nata used to attend school in Maun 300km, Francistown, Tutume, Masunga, and Shashe 200km away, This made it difficult for parents to visit the School when ever there were meetings because of transport and accomodation. So life is going to change for the better we hope.

ORAL HEALTH VISITS PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN TUTUME SUB DIST.

natavillage — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:08:35 -0700

It is not everyday that people in the rural areas get to see the Dentist, let alone the children. The ministry of Health, department of Public Health, Oral Health Division see it necessay to send out a team of Dentists on a Mobile Dental Clinic Van to visit the sorounding Villages of Gweta, Maposa, Sepako and Nata Primary Schools to check and treat children who needed dental care. The team will be in the area for three weeks. This is a very commendable effort by Botswana Government. This was the teams second visit to the area. We hope to see lots of smiling children on their way to school, thanks to the team.