Field report (HIV/AIDS) from Swaziland

SOS children from Swaziland learnt about the value of the choices we make in life and received hope for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS when a Korean performer delivered his message in an artistic form during the Summer of 2007.

'Circle of life' a hopeful message for SOS children

The children's faces at SOS Children's Village Nhlangano and the SOS Primary School in Mbabane lit up with pure delight when the Korean performer Won Won Myeong arrived to entertain the children.

Won Won Myeong is a friend of SOS Children who travels around the world with the aim of visiting all of our villages worldwide with an interpretive dance performance known as 'Zaad' (Seed). Zaad depicts the circle of life and the choices we make. He is supported by the Arts Council Korea and the Korean Culture and Arts Foundation (KCAF).

The Zaad programme is a story about a simple life - nature, humans and all elements of the universe. Whether a baby is born or a seed is grown, all life will return to the earth. As an illustration, Won Won Myeong writes about how the farmer works and lives with the earth, always waiting for rain to fall so that the seed can grow. Zaad is the simple truth about the life and breath of all nature. However, the conflict between human desire and nature is also examined. Humans want to fly, but cannot do so by themselves. Is it therefore easier to be like a fish, because although humans cannot fly, they can swim? Won Won Myeong uses his whole body, from his fingers to his facial expressions to bring his message alive.

Hope for the future in Swaziland

The programme performed in Swaziland was adapted to bring out a message of hope for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Although there were times when the adults in the audience had difficulties interpreting the dance, the children clearly understood the messages and greatly enjoyed the performance. In fact, they are still talking about how much they would like him to come back.

After the performance, Won Won Myeong mingled with the children, sharing jokes and playing with them. He believes that SOS Children's Villages has the opportunity of a lifetime to make a difference in every child's life and is to be commended for doing 'a lot with a little'. This culture is instilled in our children and prepares them for a future life outside of the villages.

During 2007, Won Won Myeong took his message of hope to Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland.