A new home at UB and work in Mochudi begins

Posted by Kathryn on May 8th, 2008

So, i cannot wait to attach pics!! soon soon! I have many already….

I will warn you all again prior to me starting this msg…that I am in the library of the Uni of Botswana…our new home and place of many lectures re. the HIV and AIDS issues of Botswana for the past week…and the lights are out for some reason, sooo, realize that typing the dark is not a task that I have perfected!

So, where oh where to begin once again….it feels like AGES since i last wrote…that is how much has happened in the past week…so our week was centred primarily around orientation…not only of the city of Gaborone…but also of learning A LOT concering the major epidemic that has hit Botswana, this small country of 1.6 million in the past 20 years….i do not think i need to specify the HIv virus…but good guess…that is exactly what struck this beautiful country and what hit the Batswana people even harder of course. So, I feel lucky and more ‘prepared’ and ‘knowledgable from the training that we were given. We were able to people who have lived here all their lives or only a few years or less. Canadians that have volunteered here and those who specialize in HIV and AIDS education…or those who were affected by the virus personally..well, most have been affected by the virus personally…in some form or another (which was a major theme of all that we learned…the virus does not come and kill and go….it has a place in every family and every issue in the country…it has made an impact that can be seen in so much of the land….therefore, its importance……huge). Talking to a woman who was infected by HIV was a very powerful experience…beyond words…as i have said before (and most probably will say ample times again).

However, yesterday…myself, Dustin, Trista, Christina and Siobbhan made our way by combi (small, crazy african music-pumping ‘taxi’s that whip around the streets faster than you can imagine and pick pple up and throw them off and make the world go around ) and then to the bus rank…oh the bus rank….just imagine…hundreds of buses and combis surrounded by 1000′s of pple all squishing on to find their wayt to work….yes, thats us..and starting tomorrow…thats us for the rest of the month. anyways, an hour and half later…and nerves slightly stingingwe found our way tp Mochudi…and the HIV testing clinic/counselling centre, youth sexual reprod health ctr..you name it….(its called BOFWA for short;))

Beforei explain my project….i need to explain what it was like stepping into one of the country’s 100′s of HIV testing clinics, testing room. It was hard. its the same virus…the same virus that lives in 1000′s of individuals in canada…right now. something so many pple fail to see or understand. something so many pple at home deny. but thats the truth. the same little virus….that unfortunately..hit this country hard. damn hard.

so, before i head out…as my day starts extremely early tomorrow..(as we have become used to going to bed super early) (and i need to plan my clothing for tomorrow…as skirts are the common ‘attire’ for women here…so i had to go out and get some as that was definitely an area that i was lacking in!) So, my project….:) In the little time i have here…its a big one…

the project in called Pledge 25…and it encouages Batswana to pledge that they will donate blood several times a year, at least 25 times in their lives. Whats the point of that? big deal? think about it…its simple…but important:)

To donate blood, one must be HIV -free.

Anyways, its a personal pledge for one’s own health…and i am to build a photo-profile collection of those who have pledged. I will be meeting those who wish to particpate and talk to them about why they beleive in this program..etc,,and photo-document it:)

anyways, we will see how it goes..

there is so much more to say…but i cannot wait to hear from everyonne..i love hearing from you all so much:) it always makes my day…

God bless and cannot wait to talk soon;)

Your kathryn;)¼/p>

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