Healing and Hope through the Arts

1 December 2011 No Comments

Getrude Kamanga Sakala and Daphine Mugala of Young Happy Healthy Safe, Zambia/ Alexis MacDonald

By Samuel Getachew

World AIDS Day began its humble journey in December 1^st, 1988 with the hope of creating a “spirit of social tolerance and a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS”. At a gathering of health minister’s around the world, the date was designated to reflect on the challenges of the AIDS epidemic around the world.

Last night in Toronto, inside the great Hart House at the University of Toronto, the Dalla Lana School of Public Health teamed up with the Stephen Lewis Foundation to host a lively discussion on the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Former United Nations HIV/AIDS envoy to Africa Stephen Lewis, who was recently invested as Knight Commander of the Most Dignified Order of Moshoeshoe by the King of Lesotho, spoke passionately of the challenges and the work that his foundation has been involved in.

Through a generous grants program his foundation gives out to HIV/AIDS activists from Africa, he was able to invite noted grassroots activists to Canada. A few of them joined him on stage as he started the discussion with a rare passion and determination that has been the signature of the former provincial politician and now, a revered activist.

Getrude Kamanga Sakala, a Zambian native, spoke passionately of her work with, Young Happy Healthy Safe. Located in Chipata, the capital of the Eastern Province of Zambia with a population of just under 100,000 people, the area has been devastated by HIV/AIDS. According to the 38-year-old activist, her organization works closely with traditional leaders and health professionals to help “change harmful gender and cultural practices”.

Her colleague, Daphine Mugala, from the same organization helps “develop life skills coupled with the teaching of sexuality and reproduction health”. She also works with countless orphanage youth by providing them educational opportunities and offering them guidance.

Both of these women were invited by the Stephen Lewis Foundation to help tell the grassroots work that is attained by the foundation.

The night ended as it began with hope. A local businesswoman surprised the audience with a generous gift of $5000. Great Africa inspired Canadian born dancers moved the audience with their youthful energy while the great voice of Molly Johnson and the wise words of d’bi young anitafrika filled the room with great warmth.

The son of former NDP Federal Leader David Lewis, who is widely known as the father of Canada’s sacred multiculturalism, Stephen Lewis will be in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this weekend to attend the comprehensive International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa.