The Kimamba Youth Centre runs programs to educate and bring awareness to youth of the community about HIV/AIDS, while also addressing the stigma and other issues surrounding this topic. The programs are largely music and drama based (a form of educational entertainment called EDUTAINMENT), since literacy levels are very low. The centre has had external performers perform concerts with underlying messages about HIV/AIDS, and has also performed themselves in front of younger crowds. Eventually, the centre hopes to have an HIV and STI testing site where locals could receive free testing for HIV and other STIs, receive pre and post test counseling and get information and access to accurate information and resources.
Planning of the Kimamba Youth Centre began in 2006, and fundraising began in 2007. By July, 2008, a Grand Opening celebration was held to bring awareness of the centre, although renovations were not complete. As of September, 2009, the house that was donated by a family of the community was almost completely renovated, but still in need of some finishing touches (such as interior paint, windows and doors). It is also needing to be furnished. We are also looking to raise money to complete the final renovations, to cover the ongoing costs of the centre such as salaries and administrative costs that are needed to keep the project going, and to further cover the costs of running valuable programming.
Any contribution you are able to make to this project will help out. Until the centre is established and proven to be a positive influence on the community, the Tanzanian government may consider funding it. Until then, we count solely on donations by generous individuals like you and funds raised through fundraisers organized by me. Thank you for showing interest in this project. Please help support it's continuing growth!