Hello everyone!
As I mentioned last time, I was planning an HIV/AIDS workshop at the vocational centre for disabled children, which is funded by USDC (Ugandan Society for Disabled Children) and I wanted to let you know how that went...
This was the first "sex-talk" I ever did in front of a class of 45 students, so I was a little nervous. However, as I got going, things went much better than I anticipated and they absolutely loved it. We had a good two hour discussion with the Q&A session at the end, and I believe it was a huge success. Even though they claim to know the basics, there were many things they weren't sure about, and the three bananas I handed out to practice putting condoms on, really put them to the test... It was great fun, and about half of the class even came up to shake my hand at the end, that's how thankful they were. This made me realise how much fun my work is, though certainly it won't always be this easy to reach out and educate people. Today I have planned a presentation on epilepsy, which is believed to be contagious here in Uganda. Therefore, my main goal will be to teach them the opposite, and I'm curious as to how well that will go...?
At my other placement at Uganda Cares a lot of social work students from different universities in Uganda have started their practicums also, so this will have pros and cons for me. A pro is that we can work together doing pre-and post-result counselling, whereby they can translate for me. However, I can also foresee competition for work, and I hope there will be enough tasks to go around... One thing's for sure, there is no shortage in clients, so surely there will always be someone to counsel and support. Their counselling style here is very different though, and feelings are rarely talked about... Despite this not being customary, I still make a point of inquiring, and have been getting good results that way.
Alright then, I will keep you posted!
Seraina
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4 comments:
Well Seraina it seems like you are really using this opportunity that has been given to you to to increase you knowledge and awareness about how many diverse populations there are in this world and how as social serivce workes we need to be flexible and adapt to any situation that may arise. The workshop you did sounded great and it showed how something so simple to us like putting on as condom somewhere else can be new.All that you are doing there is inspirational and I Hope all is well.
Seraina
Well done. I wonder if the level of awarness is much different in other countries including Canada. Keep up the great work
John
HI:
It sounds like you are having an amazing experience. I really enjoy reading your entries. The awareness that you put forth is quite astonishing. I havn't travelled alot so I'm living vicariously through your experiences. I missed you guys at Grad. There was definately something missing without you guys there. Keep up the good work, and I'm very proud of you.
Gracey
I am glad that the workshop went well. I don't think you ever really know how important that sort of information is until you do something like that. I don't doubt that being up there was somewhat intimidating but what a great learning experience for you and for them!
I think you will be able to find a way to work with the other SW students that are coming. What a great way for both parties to learn, to see the differences and similarities in counselling styles.
Have fun in Jinga!
-Chandra.
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