By Frederick Philander
WINDHOEK
The Mandume Primary School in Katutura inaugurated an HIV/AIDS awareness mural, painted by learners from Mandume Primary School and student artists from the John Muafangejo Art Centre.
The project was initiated by Papa Shikongeni, the director of the John Muafangejo Art Centre and was funded by a PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) grant from the US Embassy.
Heni Shilongo, Mandume Primary School principal; Elina Ndapuka, Katutura East Councillor; Papa Shikongeni, Director of the John Muafangejo Arts Centre in Katutura, and Ray Castillo, Director of the American Cultural Center, gave remarks at the ceremony.
Dances and songs were performed by the Mandume Primary School Cultural Group, and the HIV/AIDS Awareness Club. Rosto Joel, a Mandume leaner read an original poem, and Dianah Smith, head girl, gave some closing remarks.
The PEPFAR grant also supported HIV/AIDS awareness murals at Dawid Bezuidenhout High School in Khomasdal, and Aurora Primary School in Okahandja. A fourth mural is planned for the Katutura Community Art Centre.