Namibia: Community-based volunteers complete training

ONGWEDIVA, 31 March 2010 (New Era) -  "Hope, care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS" was the theme of a two-day workshop held at the Sam Nujoma Multi-Purpose Youth Hall from March 25 to 26 in Ongwediva.

 

It was conducted by Positive Vibes from Namibia, a communication initiative that emerged from the HIV/AIDS Programme of the Danish International Development Organisation (IBIS) in Southern Africa. The project, which focuses on children living with HIV, started two years ago and involved volunteers from community-based organisations.

 

Positive Vibes coordinator, Tsitsi Stella Dangarembizi, told New Era at the end of the workshop that the involvement of people living with and affected by HIV is one of few HIV/AIDS initiatives done so far.

 

The workshop helped to demystify the HIV virus and give participants a sound understanding of what it means to receive treatment. Participants were encouraged to explore both the benefits and risks of disclosure.

 

The workshop also enabled participants to express and deal with emotions associated with HIV/AIDS through what is called body mapping. Body maps are life-sized, mixed media paintings done on paper.

 

She said volunteers from the communities were taught how to use communication tools to allow people to understand better the needs of children living with and affected by HIV.

 

Said Dangarembizi: "It also allows people to personalise HIV/AIDS, and to use their personal knowledge and experiences as the basis for their responses to the epidemic. The workshop challenged the pessimistic discourse that surrounds HIV/AIDS, and infused in people a sense of hope.

 

According to Dangarembizi, the workshop combined separate approaches to create a process that allows change at a personal level to become a catalyst for change at a societal level. That included topics such as first aid, media, and positive speaking.

 

According to the workshop facilitator, Emilie Amweelo, a first-aid instructor and professional nurse, the participants received certificates valid for two years. Another refresher workshop will be conducted with the same volunteers after the two years. In addition, the participants also received first-aid kits donated by UNICEF and Family Health International (FHI).

 

Amweelo was assisted by the coordinator of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), Jeremia Shetunyenga.

 

Source: New Era