World AIDS Day went really well for the prevention team. They held their first competition with groups from around the area in dance, drama and choir. There were 12 contestants total. Seven dance groups, three drama groups and two choirs.
In addition, there was HIV education, disclosure, impromptu song and dance and a lot of fun.
On Dec 7 and 8 the prevention team will do pre-surveys for ward 25.
On Dec 3, the prevention team had their christmas party at hole in the wall. A ton of meat was braiied, music played, people swam and hiked to the top of the hill, and good times were had.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The prevention team has had 3 soccer tournaments and one community awareness day since the last entry.
The community awareness day in Oct was in cooperation with NAPWA for their launch of their new branch in Ngqeleni. The day was wonderful. The hall was completely packed, people outside as well.
The community awareness day for Novemeber will be next week. It was scheduled for last week, but due to hard rain all day, we had to re-schedule.
The soccer tournaments have been going well. We're doing under 17 boys soccer right now, and maybe that's the reason not many people are going for testing these last 3 events. Last event only 25 people were tested. The time before that 40 something and then 50 something. But many older guys are coming to watch the tournament, just not going for testing.
The community awareness day in Oct was in cooperation with NAPWA for their launch of their new branch in Ngqeleni. The day was wonderful. The hall was completely packed, people outside as well.
The community awareness day for Novemeber will be next week. It was scheduled for last week, but due to hard rain all day, we had to re-schedule.
The soccer tournaments have been going well. We're doing under 17 boys soccer right now, and maybe that's the reason not many people are going for testing these last 3 events. Last event only 25 people were tested. The time before that 40 something and then 50 something. But many older guys are coming to watch the tournament, just not going for testing.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
october 13, 2010
The prevention team finished up their school awareness days for this month. Both schools went really well. Lots of students who actively participated in the question and answer part.
There are two soccer tournaments coming up as well as a community awareness day combined with the launch of a new NAPWA branch.
There are two soccer tournaments coming up as well as a community awareness day combined with the launch of a new NAPWA branch.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
September 23, 2010
The prevention team has kept busy with three school awareness days and one community awareness day, as well as some of the prevention team members attending other awareness campaigns held by different organizations.
The first two school awareness days went well, however not very many students in attendance because of the affects of the strike. But this last school day went extremely well. Hundreds of kids, interactive participation, and the drama group really acted well today.
The community awareness day ended up going well after a windy start. The wind was ripping through this open field, so much that we couldn't get our big tent up. When a pole almost knocked a team member's head off, we said enough with fighting with the wind. We called the headman and he agreed to have us move into the church. We packed up all of our things and made several trips back and forth delivering goods and people. Then got started with the program. Pumulani support group, a group of old mamas, did this fantastic drama. Everyone was surprised that these old women could come up with a drama like that and then act so good on top of it! It was really a nice day.
Currently, the coordinator of the prevention team, home based care, and support, along with their manager, is organizing a launch for a branch of NAPWA (National Association of People With HIV/AIDS) here in the Nqgeleni area. There was a meeting with the chiefs and community today to discuss our plans. The community is very supportive of this launch and are looking forward to learning more about HIV/AIDS. From their questions, it's clear that not much is known and from their comments, there is still a lot of stigma. One man said that because we were passing out condoms we were killing the nation by spreading HIV to the youth. Another man asked if the nation is dying of HIV, how are they still having babies? The only thing is that our proposed date for the launch might be pension and pay day. So we need to find out first when pension and pay day is for next month, then we can plan accordlingly.
The first two school awareness days went well, however not very many students in attendance because of the affects of the strike. But this last school day went extremely well. Hundreds of kids, interactive participation, and the drama group really acted well today.
The community awareness day ended up going well after a windy start. The wind was ripping through this open field, so much that we couldn't get our big tent up. When a pole almost knocked a team member's head off, we said enough with fighting with the wind. We called the headman and he agreed to have us move into the church. We packed up all of our things and made several trips back and forth delivering goods and people. Then got started with the program. Pumulani support group, a group of old mamas, did this fantastic drama. Everyone was surprised that these old women could come up with a drama like that and then act so good on top of it! It was really a nice day.
Currently, the coordinator of the prevention team, home based care, and support, along with their manager, is organizing a launch for a branch of NAPWA (National Association of People With HIV/AIDS) here in the Nqgeleni area. There was a meeting with the chiefs and community today to discuss our plans. The community is very supportive of this launch and are looking forward to learning more about HIV/AIDS. From their questions, it's clear that not much is known and from their comments, there is still a lot of stigma. One man said that because we were passing out condoms we were killing the nation by spreading HIV to the youth. Another man asked if the nation is dying of HIV, how are they still having babies? The only thing is that our proposed date for the launch might be pension and pay day. So we need to find out first when pension and pay day is for next month, then we can plan accordlingly.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
7 September 2010
The prevention side has come to a slow down due to the strikes from the schools and government side. This strike has been going on for over a month now, so no school awareness days could be scheduled for the whole month of August.
The prevention team still had their community awareness day in August, just no government officials showed up.
The strike should be coming to an end any day here and then the school awareness days will start again.
For the month of September, there is one community awareness day scheduled, one soccer tournament, and hopefully two school awareness days.
The prevention team still had their community awareness day in August, just no government officials showed up.
The strike should be coming to an end any day here and then the school awareness days will start again.
For the month of September, there is one community awareness day scheduled, one soccer tournament, and hopefully two school awareness days.
Friday, August 20, 2010
August 20th, 2010
The prevention team's activities have slowed down a bit, with the finals for our soccer tournament finishing up the 7th and 8th of August and the school awareness days on hold until the striking stops.
The finals was a huge success. A team from England came the week before, participating in various events scheduled for them, such as site seeing, friendly matches, and time on the beach. The tournament drew a huge crowd of hundreds of people, the HIV testing tents were up and utilized (150 in two days), dramas done and health education spread over the two fields. 800 male condoms were passed out, 300 female condoms and 150 brochures on ARV treatment.
Today the prevention team is doing a community awareness day. This came from an invitation by two American social workers in the area to come and teach HIV awareness in this particular area of Malungeni. Malungeni is not in Ward 23, which we are working in from July-Dec, however the need was great and the people resourceful.
On the 25th will be another community awareness day, however this one within Ward 23.
The finals was a huge success. A team from England came the week before, participating in various events scheduled for them, such as site seeing, friendly matches, and time on the beach. The tournament drew a huge crowd of hundreds of people, the HIV testing tents were up and utilized (150 in two days), dramas done and health education spread over the two fields. 800 male condoms were passed out, 300 female condoms and 150 brochures on ARV treatment.
Today the prevention team is doing a community awareness day. This came from an invitation by two American social workers in the area to come and teach HIV awareness in this particular area of Malungeni. Malungeni is not in Ward 23, which we are working in from July-Dec, however the need was great and the people resourceful.
On the 25th will be another community awareness day, however this one within Ward 23.
Monday, August 2, 2010
minutes of HIV General Meeting July 2010
Present: Vukile, Phindani, Olwethu, Bongiwe, Luzuko, Caroline, Lindelwa, Gracie
Prevention:
Soccer tournaments:
One soccer tournament in July.
Prevention team will do an STI drama and then the new drama on the weekend of the soccer finals.
Community Awareness Day:
One community awareness day in July, however it hasn’t happened as of yet. Is planned for the 30th, in combination with Philisa’s opening day of their office.
School Awareness Day:
Schools were closed until the 14th this month. Bongiwe made dates, however the principal postponed the dates. Maybe the schools are striking? Bongiwe will keep trying. The days we missed in July will be make up in August.
Support:
Children’s Support Group:
90 kids in July.
Still an issue of space with all the kids.
Caroline wrote a proposal for the children’s trip and will distribute the proposals to donors.
The children’s support day is being split into two days because of the size. The first group will be on Monday, the second group on Thursday. Phindani and Bongiwe will cook for the group on Thursday.
There will also be toys available for the kids to play with, but they must go back at the end of the day to the doctors.
Next support day is Aug. 12th.
Adult Support Groups:
Visited a couple of support groups. Have found a few members present, looked at gardens, and heard what they are doing in their group.
Still need to take material from Nolita and Kwaza.
Gave 2 support groups catering money for Aug. Will resume giving catering money to all groups next month.
Gracie will ask Hyman if there is money for trainings for support group members.
Home Based Care:
Social Development is changing their program. They are now requiring groups to do awareness campaigns in the churches and schools.
Philisa is having their opening day on the 30th. We are combining the community awareness day with this HBC opening day.
Mdumbi is facing challenges with the project leader’s son passing away.
4 people from Siyakhula, 4 from Philisa, and 4 from Mdumbi went to the Temba training the 26th through the 30th.
Siyakhula will start receiving funding from NACOSA. They will get 40,000 rand per year and must write business plans on the ways they will spend that money.
Social Development still hasn’t approved Philisa or Mdumbi’s funding. They say there are lots of HBC groups in their data base and they are still deciding.
Treatment
Going well.
Now LSA is running the clinics, so they want the patient prepared at the ARV unit and then they go to the clinic to get their ARVs.
Prevention:
Soccer tournaments:
One soccer tournament in July.
Prevention team will do an STI drama and then the new drama on the weekend of the soccer finals.
Community Awareness Day:
One community awareness day in July, however it hasn’t happened as of yet. Is planned for the 30th, in combination with Philisa’s opening day of their office.
School Awareness Day:
Schools were closed until the 14th this month. Bongiwe made dates, however the principal postponed the dates. Maybe the schools are striking? Bongiwe will keep trying. The days we missed in July will be make up in August.
Support:
Children’s Support Group:
90 kids in July.
Still an issue of space with all the kids.
Caroline wrote a proposal for the children’s trip and will distribute the proposals to donors.
The children’s support day is being split into two days because of the size. The first group will be on Monday, the second group on Thursday. Phindani and Bongiwe will cook for the group on Thursday.
There will also be toys available for the kids to play with, but they must go back at the end of the day to the doctors.
Next support day is Aug. 12th.
Adult Support Groups:
Visited a couple of support groups. Have found a few members present, looked at gardens, and heard what they are doing in their group.
Still need to take material from Nolita and Kwaza.
Gave 2 support groups catering money for Aug. Will resume giving catering money to all groups next month.
Gracie will ask Hyman if there is money for trainings for support group members.
Home Based Care:
Social Development is changing their program. They are now requiring groups to do awareness campaigns in the churches and schools.
Philisa is having their opening day on the 30th. We are combining the community awareness day with this HBC opening day.
Mdumbi is facing challenges with the project leader’s son passing away.
4 people from Siyakhula, 4 from Philisa, and 4 from Mdumbi went to the Temba training the 26th through the 30th.
Siyakhula will start receiving funding from NACOSA. They will get 40,000 rand per year and must write business plans on the ways they will spend that money.
Social Development still hasn’t approved Philisa or Mdumbi’s funding. They say there are lots of HBC groups in their data base and they are still deciding.
Treatment
Going well.
Now LSA is running the clinics, so they want the patient prepared at the ARV unit and then they go to the clinic to get their ARVs.
August 2, 2010
The prevention team wrapped up July with an awareness day combined with an opening day for one of Transcape's home based care groups. The day went really well. All the governement sectors that were invited came and gave a speech. There was Sarafina dance group, an OVC dance group, student choir, speeches, dramas and a candlelight.
Over 500 people came to this event. 70 people were tested for HIV at our portable tents, 300 male condoms and 200 female condoms given out, as well as everyone served lunch.
The crowd was very responsive to the combined event with prevention and home based care. It was the first time for these two sides of Transcape to have an event together and the event was a smash! We'll plan more combined events for the future.
Over 500 people came to this event. 70 people were tested for HIV at our portable tents, 300 male condoms and 200 female condoms given out, as well as everyone served lunch.
The crowd was very responsive to the combined event with prevention and home based care. It was the first time for these two sides of Transcape to have an event together and the event was a smash! We'll plan more combined events for the future.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
July 13, 2010
Last week on Saturday, the prevention team had HIV testing tents and performed dramas at Transcape's soccer tournament. The day was lovely, bright sun, lots of wind, and a good turn out of people. About 60 people went for testing that day. We've started working in Ward 23, so this was our first event in the new ward.
On Friday and Saturday of this week, the prevention team will be busy with our post-surveys for Ward 22. Our first six months were spent in Ward 22, finishing beginning of July. So now we're going back to the same houses we went to six months before to ask them the same questions on HIV/AIDS, TB as well as about what Transcape does. This is part of our evaluation process to see if our work is making an impact in the areas we are.
On Friday and Saturday of this week, the prevention team will be busy with our post-surveys for Ward 22. Our first six months were spent in Ward 22, finishing beginning of July. So now we're going back to the same houses we went to six months before to ask them the same questions on HIV/AIDS, TB as well as about what Transcape does. This is part of our evaluation process to see if our work is making an impact in the areas we are.
Monday, June 28, 2010
June 2010
The month of June went well for the prevention team and their events this month of June.
There were two school awareness days that were great. The only hiccup was schools were closing for the holiday break, so many students had gone home already after finishing their exams.
The community awareness day went well. Government officials from the police, agriculture and the prison came. About 600 people showed up for the event, lots of speeches, a candle light, songs, dramas and information shared.
There were two soccer tournaments as well. These last two were held in communities where we've already been (but Transcape has covered all of ward 22, so we had to repeat a couple until we start our new ward in July), so we found that not as many people came out for testing. The first soccer event about 400 people showed up, but the second one only around 200 people because of a funeral just up the road.
Our prevention team also did two days of surveying houses for our new ward we're moving into. Our first six months is done in ward 22, so now in July we are moving to work in ward 23. The first day of the survey 52 houses were interviewed. On the second day, 38 houses. Questions on HIV/AIDS and if they know about Transcape, support groups, home based care groups...We are planning our post surveys for our first ward, 22, in the 3rd weekend in July. This way we can see what people knew before Transcape and what people have learned from Transcape's events.
There were two school awareness days that were great. The only hiccup was schools were closing for the holiday break, so many students had gone home already after finishing their exams.
The community awareness day went well. Government officials from the police, agriculture and the prison came. About 600 people showed up for the event, lots of speeches, a candle light, songs, dramas and information shared.
There were two soccer tournaments as well. These last two were held in communities where we've already been (but Transcape has covered all of ward 22, so we had to repeat a couple until we start our new ward in July), so we found that not as many people came out for testing. The first soccer event about 400 people showed up, but the second one only around 200 people because of a funeral just up the road.
Our prevention team also did two days of surveying houses for our new ward we're moving into. Our first six months is done in ward 22, so now in July we are moving to work in ward 23. The first day of the survey 52 houses were interviewed. On the second day, 38 houses. Questions on HIV/AIDS and if they know about Transcape, support groups, home based care groups...We are planning our post surveys for our first ward, 22, in the 3rd weekend in July. This way we can see what people knew before Transcape and what people have learned from Transcape's events.
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 7-12 2010 HBC
Philisa HCBC is using their new office now. They are so hapy because pople are coming to their office with problems. This week they are busy preparing a monthly report for socal development as they are coming to visit them. They are asking for more materials to their kits they use.
Philisa is invited to an awareness at Mawotsheni Church "Fountain of Joy" by Temba Developers on the 12 of June. They want to open their office by doing a big awareness campaign in July.
Siyakula HCBC is invited to the Foutain of Joy awareness campaign. The will educate about human trafficking, Hijacking, and the difference between HIV and AIDS to the church members. They are also going to a candlelight memorial on the 15 th of June in Libode. All the stakeholders will be there.
Next training held by Temba will be 26 July.
Mdumbi is still having a problem with their site of their office. They are still discussing with the community and the local leaders.
BAFANA BAFANA!!!!
Philisa is invited to an awareness at Mawotsheni Church "Fountain of Joy" by Temba Developers on the 12 of June. They want to open their office by doing a big awareness campaign in July.
Siyakula HCBC is invited to the Foutain of Joy awareness campaign. The will educate about human trafficking, Hijacking, and the difference between HIV and AIDS to the church members. They are also going to a candlelight memorial on the 15 th of June in Libode. All the stakeholders will be there.
Next training held by Temba will be 26 July.
Mdumbi is still having a problem with their site of their office. They are still discussing with the community and the local leaders.
BAFANA BAFANA!!!!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Our prevention team just squeezed in two school awareness days, as the school holiday starts tomorrow. Both of the events went really well. The prevention team did a drama on drugs and the affect they can have on a healthy, prosperous future. There were informational talks on HIV, sexual abuse, rape and child trafficking.
The students were dancing with the gospel music blaring from the speaker system, listening attentively to the drama and then speaking back to their peers about what they learned from the day.
Then apples and chips were passed out to all the kids and teachers and they students went home.
The students were dancing with the gospel music blaring from the speaker system, listening attentively to the drama and then speaking back to their peers about what they learned from the day.
Then apples and chips were passed out to all the kids and teachers and they students went home.
HBC May 18-20 2010
The budget from Social Development is out now, so funded organizations are waiting to receive their money. Social Development invited all co-ordinators of HBC groups to explain about their new structure and about their planning of frame work for caregivers who are in the organization.
Social Development will only fund for 10 caregivers per group. If there are over 10 caregivers, that group must find funds for those extra people elsewhere. They are trying to mesh with what the Department of Health does.
Philisa, Mdumbi and Siyakhula are starting to visit churches to do awareness campaigns about human trafficking. The churches and schools need to be more aware about this issue, especially with the world cup coming up and all the people coming and going for that.
The carers who went to the Temba training are called counsellors. There are 4 in each group. They are doing counselling in churches and in schools. Temba has made an agreement with the 3 groups so every time these counsellors can attend the conferences for free.
On the 27th of May there will be a big conference in Mthatha. The 3 HBC groups are invited, church leaders, Department of Education, Thembelitsha Rehabilitation, Department of Social Development, Family Advocate, Safety and Laison, doctors and traditional healers, Department of Correctional Services and the police were all also invited.
Social Development will only fund for 10 caregivers per group. If there are over 10 caregivers, that group must find funds for those extra people elsewhere. They are trying to mesh with what the Department of Health does.
Philisa, Mdumbi and Siyakhula are starting to visit churches to do awareness campaigns about human trafficking. The churches and schools need to be more aware about this issue, especially with the world cup coming up and all the people coming and going for that.
The carers who went to the Temba training are called counsellors. There are 4 in each group. They are doing counselling in churches and in schools. Temba has made an agreement with the 3 groups so every time these counsellors can attend the conferences for free.
On the 27th of May there will be a big conference in Mthatha. The 3 HBC groups are invited, church leaders, Department of Education, Thembelitsha Rehabilitation, Department of Social Development, Family Advocate, Safety and Laison, doctors and traditional healers, Department of Correctional Services and the police were all also invited.
HBC May 5-14, 2010
Nine caregivers received money for training in Mthatha for 5 days from Temba. There were 4 caregivers from Philisa HBC, 4 from Mdumbi HBC and one from Transcape. They received accredited certificates. Topics were HIV/AIDS, rape, domestic violence, gender based, identity, human trafficking and sexual abuse.
We were expecting training from TAC, but they cancelled.
Lindelwa went to a one day workshop in Mthath on how to fill out NPO registration papers. They said the six people who fill in the first page must be the office bearers which are also board members. These board members must be active and know how to fundraise. They will not receive an income though. These six members must not be the executive inside the organization. The non-funded organizations who are still waiting for their NPO certificates must re-write the NPO form. The organizations who have already received their certificates must also re-write the form as well. Otherwise their certificates will be cancelled.
We were expecting training from TAC, but they cancelled.
Lindelwa went to a one day workshop in Mthath on how to fill out NPO registration papers. They said the six people who fill in the first page must be the office bearers which are also board members. These board members must be active and know how to fundraise. They will not receive an income though. These six members must not be the executive inside the organization. The non-funded organizations who are still waiting for their NPO certificates must re-write the NPO form. The organizations who have already received their certificates must also re-write the form as well. Otherwise their certificates will be cancelled.
April 2010
On the 26th of April, 2010, the Methodist Church from Ngqeleni were supposed to come to visit Siyakhula HBC group. They ended up, however, post-poning the visit. Social workers were interested to know how many people are coming and what the reason for the visit is.
Nkosana from 2540 NGO came to our last meeting. He decided to meet again to discuss a way forward. We check how many OVC's receive social services and how many need access to those servces.
This month we are having our Transcape HIV meeting with Grace, our new member. Mdumbi has done door to door campaigns and identified a lot of HIV positive people who are not attending support groups and are not taking ARTs. Some have even formed a new support group called Dumani Support Group.
Siyakhula had a funeral for a client of theirs who was 2 years old, HIV positive. She was abandoned by his mom at Social Development to social worker, Ncanywa. Ncanywa tried to find out who the care giver is for that baby in his village. They tried to find caregiver Jonga, but she stayed for 2 months away somewhere. The child passed away. Members of the family did not want to have a funeral, but Jonga spent her own money for the funeral. All the caregivers are supporting Jonga in this decision. This should not happen again though. If the family does not want to bury, the caregivers must call Municipality.
On the 30th of April, Mdumbi had a big awareness campaign in their community. Their aim was to show and tell community members what they are doing as home based carers. They have fundraised R1000 for this event for catering and hiring a big tent. Caregivers from Ward 25 were also present to inform the community on their happenings.
Nkosana from 2540 NGO came to our last meeting. He decided to meet again to discuss a way forward. We check how many OVC's receive social services and how many need access to those servces.
This month we are having our Transcape HIV meeting with Grace, our new member. Mdumbi has done door to door campaigns and identified a lot of HIV positive people who are not attending support groups and are not taking ARTs. Some have even formed a new support group called Dumani Support Group.
Siyakhula had a funeral for a client of theirs who was 2 years old, HIV positive. She was abandoned by his mom at Social Development to social worker, Ncanywa. Ncanywa tried to find out who the care giver is for that baby in his village. They tried to find caregiver Jonga, but she stayed for 2 months away somewhere. The child passed away. Members of the family did not want to have a funeral, but Jonga spent her own money for the funeral. All the caregivers are supporting Jonga in this decision. This should not happen again though. If the family does not want to bury, the caregivers must call Municipality.
On the 30th of April, Mdumbi had a big awareness campaign in their community. Their aim was to show and tell community members what they are doing as home based carers. They have fundraised R1000 for this event for catering and hiring a big tent. Caregivers from Ward 25 were also present to inform the community on their happenings.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)