Another Update

Last week I managed to get three former students from the vocational centre, who suffer epilepsy, to come in and speak about their experience. I believe it was very beneficial for the students, as they believed epilepsy is contagious. I am hopeful that most, if not all, were convinced by the end of the presentation that it was not... Most of all, I think the three students also provided great role models for them, by demonstrating how they can speak out about their disabilities and sensitize others. This week we also started an employment workshop at the centre, which will continue over the course of the next 3 weeks, once weekly. I will be co-facilitating this workshop together with another teacher from the centre, as well as the DRO (district rehabilitation officer), who is also physically disabled. So, this will be another great learning opportunity for me.

At Uganda Cares there are a lot of students who are eager to learn, and also helpful to work with. We have started doing parts of the pre-result counselling workshop, and will probably be on our own soon. Unfortunately, they are at an advantage because of the language, so I am not sure how much I will be able to contribute... However, I am also working together with the nurses and they let me help out with for e.g. taking the childrens' measurments or weighing people at in-take.

As Shawna mentioned in her last blog, we are also making some room for fun and adventure, as our time in Uganda will be over before we know it... Source of the Nile river-rafting, here we come!

PS (Congrats to the CSSW class of 2007 for succussfully graduating & hope you had a good party!)

Until next time, safe journey!

Seraina