Beginnings are always difficult, and so was my first week into my practicum placements. There was no time to be shy and I had to get right in there...
Monday was my first day at Uganda Cares, the Aids clinic. It went quite well and I was able to do one-on-one counselling with a few clients who speak english. Language is the greatest barrier, so I need to be assertive and continue trying to find clients with whom I can communicate or alternatively I will need to learn Lugandan...! It was testing day and out of 60 patients, approx. 30 tested HIV positive; so the situation is still very severe. Though it was a bit much for my first day, I was assigned to do post-result counselling and had to tell two people that they tested positive. Most likely I will be doing this frequently, due to the volume of people. Then on Friday was children's day and I had so much fun with the kids. They just love the muzungos (white people) and are so appreciative; how much joy a colouring book can bring!
The remaining three days I was with USDC (Ugandan Society for Disabled Children), which is completely different from Uganda Cares. Most of my time will be spent at the vocational centre for disabled youth aged between 14 and 25 yrs, where I plan on teaching some basic english and establishing a regular workshop on various social issues, such as HIV/AIDS. On Wednesday I was out in the villages doing home visits all day. It was very interesting and the countryside is absolutely gorgeous, but it was also extremely challenging (both emotionally and financially). All of the families we visited are living in extreme poverty, so it is hard to know how to respond, since the unspoken request is clearly for funds. However, I am trying hard not to be taken advantage of, and at the same time I'm looking for other ways to be helpful.
Despite all of the hardships the people are dealing with, they have a very positive outlook on life and rarely complain. Moreover, everyone is very open and willing to share. Needless to say, I am learning plenty and will have a lot of experiences to take from when I get back to Canada.
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5 comments:
Good work at jumping right in there! That is the best way for you to benefit from your time in Uganda. You will only learn as much as you push yourself to do. Keep it up.
-chandra.
Seraina I envy you for your experience so far and I also wish I could offer you some support, not so far away! I hope you are able to get as much as possible from this trip, though I know you will!!!
Hi there fellow travellers!
I'm back home in Vancouver now, but it seems like just yesterday that we were sitting around on the lawn at the Africana laughing.
I hope you are all keeping well and speaking of wells, I hope the water is running clear for you at the old hacienda.
And one more thing I wanted to mention: no bachelor parties!!
I saw Bob and Jodie off at the airport this evening - I know you are all going to enjoy showing them around. They will be so impressed with how much you know about Uganda. And I look forward to hearing how things are going over the next couple of months.
Take care,
Nancy
Hello mates,
School is over and the challenge of finding job has started. I miss you all and one the highlights in my day are to read your logs. Thank you for that. I would have loved to join you in this practicum but couldn’t. Reading about our adventures makes me feel like I am sharing your experience.
Like the people there, I too appreciate your good work and dedication. Graduation is near and I will miss you all at the ceremony. Hope to see you when you return. Keep up the good work and keep writing.
Sholeh
Hey guys! It is so great to hear about Uganda and everything you are doing there. What an experience! Graduation was yesterday and I'm sure I speak for the class in saying you were all greatly missed.
Shelley
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