Mma Segolame Mokone is a guidance and counselling teacher at a Junior Secondary school in Thamaga. Her job is to talk to students about a range of issues that they may be affected by; such as alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and high risk sexual behaviours. Segolame encourages students to identify the links between the subject being discussed in the classroom and their own experiences and perceptions. One such way of stimulating discussion is through the use of visual media.
One day Segolame asked her class to present on pertinent issues such as alcohol or multiple concurrent partnerships and one group of students chose to present on Morwalela, a TV series developed by PSI Botswana that weaves a number of key themes such as high risk sexual behaviours and alcohol abuse into its storylines with an overall goal of reducing HIV incidence in Botswana.
Botswana currently faces one of the worst HIV/AIDS epidemics in the world with 17.6% of the general population infected with HIV, translating as one in four Batswana between the ages of 15 and 49 living with HIV. Morwalela represents an innovative and pioneering approach to HIV-related behaviour change communications in Botswana. The TV series was written by local writers – Wame Molefhe and Lauri Kubuitsile and has a predominantly Batswana cast and crew. Filmed entirely in Setswana, the cast portray characters living in a small fictional village called Morwalela, in Botswana. They are faced with the same difficult decisions as many batswanaand show the impact of their choices on their lives and the lives of loved ones. The series illustrates many of the issues around HIV-transmission such as the emotional and health risks of multiple concurrent partners, the dangers of excessive drinking, the value and need of HIV-testing, the importance of condom use and the importance of honest communication. It also highlights the importance of healthy living and the necessity for HIV positive individuals to commit to their anti-retroviral (ARV) drug regime in order to remain healthy.
Segolame’s idea of using Morwalela as the focus of her lessons has been very successful. For one of her students, 15 year old Thuto, the discussions have had a big impact. “I learned that if you are a man you should be responsible and take care of your family and make sure that your behaviour does not put them at risk. John Kenosi was very irresponsible because he slept around and ended up infecting his wife with HIV, he was also a leader and he should have behaved in an exemplary manner but he did not, this might end up leading to kids who look up to him thinking that his behaviour is okay when it is not.”
It is widely recognized that there is a strong correlation between the misuse of alcohol and the number of social and health‐related problems, such as risky sexual behaviours, intimate partner violence. Another student from Segolame’s class, 14 year old Sandra, said that Morwalela taught her that “if you find yourself in overwhelming trouble like Lebo who was HIV positive and had lost a son to AIDS, you do not drown your problems in alcohol you should instead look for counselling.
It’s not just Segolame’s students that have been impacted by Morwalela. PSI has also heard from other such groups and individuals who have been impacted by Morwalela. For Eddie Monnaatlhare (18), Morwalela helped him change his stance on having a relationship with a person living with HIV. Eddie said Justice and Mpho’s discordant storyline helped him realise that although it’s a big step to take, it can be done. “As long as you have a strong support system and you both agree on a plan of how you will take care of yourselves to avoid the one person infecting another, I can do it,” According to Eddie he always thought that it is wrong to have a relationship with someone living with HIV because infection to the other partner was guaranteed. “Justice and Mpho made it look so easy for me and it is no longer such a big deal for me.”
Mma Segolame Mokone (L) with students from Letlole Mosielele Junior Secondary School in Thamaga
Morwalela’s two month run on BTV in April and May of 2010 generated a positive reaction from Batswana. The creation of a Facebook page has enabled PSI to receive feedback and spark discussions over the topics addressed in each episode. This is the first time Facebook has been used in this way in Botswana to great success – the Morwalela pages now have more than 5,000 fans and friends. Reruns started in July 2010 in a different timeslot on BTV in the hopes of reaching a larger audience. “When will there be a second season?” is a question asked by many of the fans on Facebook and by Segolame’s students.
Success stories such as this can be found across Botswana. Morwalela’s national reach has helped raise awareness of key issues that affect the wellbeing of the people of Botswana.
For more information, please contact Botho Tlhobogang, PSI/B Corporate Affairs Coordinator: [email protected] more information on PSI/Botswana online, please go to staging.psi-2017.flywheelsites.com/botswana.
