June without the gloom

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The Explorers Club wrapped up and we were able to use the projector to show the children Moana.  The caregivers were amazingly inventive as they figured out ways to suspend the sheet we were using for a screen and to cover the windows so it would be dark for the show.  The kids were very excited to watch the movie, and each child even got a little sweet to celebrate the end of the term.  As I have mentioned before, things have a way of not quite going according to plan, and this was no different.  The sound on the projector, which always seemed loud enough when we tested it, was no match for the wind, the birds, and the fidgety children.  Luckily we were able to hear the songs well, and we have since managed to acquire speakers that should help us to better hear our next movie.  Adding the creativity component to the Explorers Club was amazing.  The children are loving coloring and when they write their names on their pictures it is assisting us in identifying those who might need literacy help.

The kids were absolutely tickled when we adults sat down to color with them

Zazi for the caregivers also wrapped up.  We enjoyed lively discussions and many laughs as we worked our way through topics such as relationships, gender-based violence, sexual health, and healthy living.  The discussion about diet modifications was not met with enthusiasm, as salt and sugar are a big part of the diet here.  One of the things I have found to be the same in both the US and South Africa is that the food that is affordable to those who are struggling financially is rarely the food that promotes health and well-being. 

Certificates for the caregivers after the completion of Zazi

I had the opportunity to attend the South African AIDS Conference in Durban from June 13-15.  The conference was amazing.  I found the sessions fascinating, and am so impressed at the advancements being made here in South Africa in the fight against HIV.  The sessions I attended covered so many topics: vaccine trials, topical ARV trials, phylogenetics, universal test and treat, and so many more.  A particularly interesting study observed the risk-taking behavior of participants as far as alcohol was concerned.  In the study, some participants were given alcohol, some were given a non-alcoholic beverage that looked and smelled like alcohol, and some were given water.  The study found that risk-taking behavior increased in people who consumed the non-alcoholic beverage but thought they were drinking alcohol and becoming drunk.  The conference reminded me why I first became interested in working with HIV, and inspired me to continue working in this area after the completion of my service.

Me and fellow PCV, Kolbi, taking a quick picture at the conference

July will be a very busy month, with both a camp and a conference pulling me from the village, but there should also be some time for preparation for term three.  Term three will include conducting Zazi sessions for both the home based caregivers and for the secondary school girls, more of the Explorers Club, and in-service trainings for both the home based care and the drop-in centre on HIV and TB.  It will be a very busy term, but I can’t think of a better way to get through the winter.

The kids are already enjoying their winter break...these boys chased me down the street to ask me to let them color.  Of course I said yes!