SINGING AND DANCE GROUP
Song and dance are of great cultural importance in Tanzania. They are perhaps the most effective medium for communicating disease prevention to the community. Games, skits, dances, songs, and lectures are designed to teach students and spectators how to:
- avoid waterborne and water-related diseases,
- practice proper handwashing, and
- prevent fecal-oral disease transmission.
The Singing and Dance Group teaches students lifesaving lessons in a fun and memorable manner while encouraging them to develop their talents and become community leaders. Following WASH lessons, students work together to create songs and dances to perform for their families, friends, and community members at other MSG events.
Once a year, the Singing and Dance Group holds auditions for the Shirati’s Got Talent competition. Participants of all ages write songs and skits and perform choreographed dances to communicate their WASH knowledge to peers and members of the community. Once the best 10 participants have been chosen, MSG hosts a semifinal event and then a final event that each attract over 1500 community members.
When good times are had, great changes are made.
In addition to the Rorya’s Got Talent competition for adults, MSG also hosts an annual talent competition for children under the age of 18. This competition is very popular in the community and gives the children the experience of showing their talents and spreading their health messages to community members. Each year, we are impressed by both the level of talent and the participants’ extensive knowledge of WASH. We are proud to be the only institution to hold this type of event in the Rorya District!
