Game for the World Develops Student Leaders in Tanzania

After a long drive to Mbeya, near the border of Zambia and Malawi, Alan, Adam,Uswege and I visited Itende secondary school. Game for the World has been played in the school since August 2011, when Adam and Uswege tested the Game’s efficacy in a study. The study proved that the Game increased students’ knowledge about HIV/AIDS and the results were verified by the University of Arizona’s College of Public Health.

Girl Power!

Second Master, Mwalimu Mwasenga, says that the Game is making a difference in their community. “Our students’ confidence and debating skills have increased, as well as their ability to answer biology questions. The Game has given our school a good reputation because students from Itende visit other schools to teach them how to play the Game”, says Mwalimu. “The Game has made a difference in many ways, including improving our students’ skills in communication, comprehension, critical thinking and problem- solving. It’s helping to develop our future leaders!”

Second Master Mwalimu Mwasenga with Adam & Uswege

The peer educators we met were trained by students Adam and Uswege trained – it was great to see how students were empowered by other students!  They are proud of the calendar that was created for their school, with photos of students playing the Game and HIV/AIDS learning points.

Boy power!

Itende students are passionate about the Game and told us that they like it because they’ve learned how HIV is spread and are confident to teach others about it.  Their club plays the Game once a week and teaches others to play. Students take the Game home to play with their families and their community. Adrian Samson,  chair of Itende Game for the World Club says “The Game encourages us to know our HIV status, to wear condoms and to be faithful. We’ve learned how to care for people with HIV and not to isolate them.”

Uswege and Second Master Mwasenga with Itende students and Anne

We had a great discussion about where the Game could be played – the students want to play it in public places such as markets and exhibitions. They see the Game as a tool that can impact their community; they want to play it with soldiers, policemen and prisoners.

The students have creative ideas about how to enhance the Game. We encouraged them to create some cartoons and pamphlets, as well as an ID card they could carry when they visit other schools, so that they are recognized as peer educators.

“Capture the day”!

Our work in Tanzania is supported by a grant from the Zuckerman Community Outreach Foundation in Tucson, Arizona and by the generosity of family and friends. If you want to make a difference in the lives of young Tanzanians, please consider a donation at our web site: www.gamefortheworld.com.

May 9, 2013