We're finally working!

Each volunteer on this project is assigned to facilitate different programs in Mahonda and Mwanakwerekwe. The programs that I am working with primarily focus on ESL while integrating discussions or lessons on other issues or topics such as substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and STD's . Twice a week I work with an organization called ZAPHA+ (Zanzibar Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS) which is located in Stonetown. This organization advocates for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and offers programs and support groups for their members, the majority being women who have been abandoned by their families or husbands once they were tested positive for HIV. I also work with the youth centre twice a week in Mahonda which is about 30 minutes north of Stonetown (that is if the dala dala is speeding at what feels like over 120 km/h on a poorly paved road!). The last program is Youth Activity Day which is held in Mwanakwerekwe at the Zangoc youth centre. One day is sports, the other day is art. Then we hold a computer session on the weekend with youth from both Mahonda and Mwanakwerekwe. We are also involved with "Ushujaa kwa uhai" or "Courage for life" campaign. When the campaign was first started in 2006, the purpose was to decrease negative stigma attached to HIV testing and increase awareness about the transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Ushujaa promotes courage through educating onself about HIV/AIDS, making healthy lifestyle choices, and being part of the solution in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Every Saturday at Ushujaa, the DJ sets up the sound system on the basketball court at the Zangoc youth centre and starts blasting hip hop music. Youth from the community gather around and are given the opportunity to use various methods to display their courage through music, dance, rap, drama, and art. It's like a talent show with the purpose of increasing awareness and decreasing stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. However, for this phase, so far it seems like the purpose of Ushujaa has been lost a bit. It feels like more of a youth hang out time with loud music and a few people willing to rap and dance. I guess the positive thing to come out of it is that it gives the youth something to do on a Saturday evening. Because of the month long Ramadan in September, there were no programs being run which I think has contributed to the small turnouts for Ushujaa.

It's hard to believe that we only have a month left in Zanzibar! This week flew by because we were so busy with planning and working on our programs. It's only going to go by faster as the weeks go by which makes me sad! I feel like I've finally settled into the groove of things with adjusting to the new environment and running our projects. I wish I could stay for an extra month!