The production organisation slowly established a reputation in Ndola. The Lafarge Cement Factory invited the production team to perform for employees. The factory managers were so impressed that they established a contract with the theatre group to perform whenever HIV/AIDS education sessions are held for employees.
The New Masala Theatre Productions are partners of our America operation MSI’s Zambia Local Partners Capacity Building Program (LPCB). Under the Copperbelt Health Education Project, the theatre group was given a grant to organize and expand.
US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) set a goal for LPCB to partner with 100 local organisations by the program’s end. LPCB exceeded PEPFAR’s goal when 103 partners recently enrolled in the program. This included the New Masala Theatre group.
The LPCB participants are noted for being leaders. They attend workshops and seminars on leadership, development, financial management and human resources systems to help them build capacity.
The success of the New Masala Theatre Productions offered a model for other partner organisations. The contract model showed willingness by commercial industries to take responsibility for its employees’ exposure to HIV/AIDS education, creating a sustainable arrangement between partner organisation and the private sector.
New Masala Theatre Productions team members are now paid for their services and are self-sustaining without traditional donor support.
