HIV/AIDS Training

Hey guys!

I'm in for a really quick visit, but an exciting one none the less!
I was contacted by a organization that wants to help build tourism in the hinterlands. Wan Hati was chosen as one out of five areas for a pilot program! It's wonderful news for us! Thomas - my counterpart, Mongoelina and Captain were also invited to hear the overview of the project. The contact speaks Takie Takie so we were all able to understand. (Mongoelina only fell asleep once during the presentation...impressive!) The next step for us is to form a group in WH who want to be involved in developing this program. I'll keep you updated on our progress.

Last week Peace Corps came out along with Pepsur (Suriname's ogranization that preforms entertianing ways of teaching about HIV/AIDS)

This was the first big training that I've been involved with hosting in WH. Lots of kinks were worked out as the day progressed....it was chaos I'm going to admit. Wan Hati was host to three other villages, each village particiapating had 5 kids aged 12-18 to be educated as a HIV/AIDS leader. (they are trained to to teach others) The PCV of that village, and their counterpart.

My whole village wanted to participate. There was no control. I was near tears trying to get adults and screaming babies, kids that weren't part of the WH five away from the training area. Training was provided to a small number again so the kids can educate others, and adults are not asked to participate due the topic....kids may not feel confortable speaking freely infront of adults and heads of the Village. ( Everyone is welcome at my house for education on health. )

I learned a lot on how to try to keep control. (I only lost my temper once, as a rock whizzed by my face - thrown by a boy that was not included in the group)

Pepsur was amazing -- they educated through skits, songs, group participation. My kids engaged and I feel really learned some important and NEEDED information about HIV/AIDS. The pre-test and post-test results were shocking!

We now have a youth group 'HIV/AIDS A NA MEI MATI' (HIV/AIDS is not my friend) I'm proud of them and they are enthusiastic and full of questions!

Later that nite Basi Amsio and I were talking and we were discussing AIDS -- he was shocked to learn that you can NOT transmit through wearing the same clothes. I sat with him and a few of the older ladies late into the nite dicussing transmission. I'm grateful for the training as it sparked a lot of converstations and let everyone know it's okay to ask questions.

The next training is in two weeks on latrine buildling and clean water. Hopefully I can implement what I've learned on crowd control! (Or I'll take a valuim beforehand!)