Presentation update

My presentation on sexuality yesterday went well. Since we had challenges with this group of students on Monday, we decided to list out some "ground rules" to go over before the presentations began. Those didn't really hold any water. It was kindof a battle at times to keep them under control, but I was amazed at how interested and intune they were when I was presenting the anatomy - as well as discussing pregnancy, contraception, STI's, and specifics surrounding these topics. When I asked the kids if they had ever had this type of presentation or class in school, they said no. So, it's valuable information for them - and hopefully some of it was heard. Now, all this being said, anytime you have 14 year old boys and girls mixed together talking about sex, it can get a little rowdy - lots of giggling and laughing and jokes. I was actually kindof glad when my hour was through.

Yesterday it was confirmed that we will be traveling down south tomorrow (friday) with the Red Cross to do some basic health education in rural communities. Much of this area is still flooded, so we will be visiting the villages that are accessible. However, they are calling for more rain tonight and tomorrow with another tropical wave approaching. So, we'll see. They told us there is a risk of waters rising and it being a challenge to get out, but all in all, by boat or something, I'm sure we'll be fine. So, this means that we are now trying to piece together some sort of presentation. It will probably cover vector control, basic hygiene, water sanitation, food safety, basic first aid, and communicable diseases. Not sure how to fit that into an hour??!! And, we are not going to have access to electricity in parts, which means no powerpoints. Some of these communities are Mayan and have their own dialects, so we will also need translation. In these instances, you just do the best you can with what you have and keep it very basic. I'm excited to see the southern part of the country, as I've heard it is beautiful. Also, this is a first step into many of these communities in terms of health education.

This morning we had the opportunity to sit in on the only HIV/AIDS clinic in Belize City (at the local hospital) - with one of the only Doctors who treats patients suffering from the virus. It was a real eye opener to listen to some of the patients talking about the reality of their lives with HIV, and the intense stigma and discrimination that occurs here. The first two women both became infected by their husbands without knowing it. There is intense shame, isolation and loneliness that occurs. Such an anger - to the point of not wanting to take medications, simply wanting to die. There is only one organization in Belize that is working with people living with HIV/AIDS, and that is Alliance Against Aids. This is a huge problem in this country, and there is very little support for these people.

Okay, that's a brief update! Hard to believe I will be leaving for home in exactly one week....

Here are more pictures~

http://picasaweb.google.com/shavonnewinters/BelizeCityFlowersPresentations?authkey=VxKbZ4v8Pdk