Thoughts: Back in the US

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I get back to the states. We have so much- I have been given every essential my life ever required, plus a lot more, taken for granted that all of my needs are met comfortably and without the sacrifice of those immediately around me. Every time I return to Africa I revel in the contented nature of daily life. In the United States, during my daily life as a student, somehow there is some power urging me to compete, to create efficiency, to be the best. I buy things because I can. Get a latte without considering where the 12 oz. of milk originated, much less stopped to wonder at the options- do I want skim? 2%? Whole milk or soy milk? What about sugar? Syrup? Flavorings? Sugarfree?

In Tanzania, I feel like you know where that milk came from- because its source is staring you straight in the face when you buy it from the market. You kind of humbly want to …shake that cows hand (pardon me, hoof), or show it some offering of mutual respect for providing you with something to put in your coffee.

But in all seriousness, I want to explore this feeling I get when I am in Africa. The blessedness. The respect that everyone has for one another. The time that I take to stop and revel at the way light hits the gravel road. Why is it that here I am I so much more inclined to smile, stop to talk to someone on my way to do an errand? How can we learn from the community of Imbaseni, to better our programs, and create sustainable change? There is so much that I want to better understand about the daily lives of people we met on the trip…

To me, AIDSTanzania is not just about HIV and prevention, it is about the health of the entire community we visit. More and more I feel that we need to develop discussion among mothers, youth, students—people who maintain and grow the structure of the community. There is so much to do, but here they say “pole, pole…” (Slow, slow…) …. In any case, I hope I have done something to help at least one person in Imbaseni, I certainly know I have been changed for the better.

–Marigene

"Pole, Pole" : Imbaseni kids waiting for their turn to get water

Journal Entry

1/5/2012

Another productive and exciting day!

Today we walked through the Imbaseini Village and, with the help of our friendly translators Herman and Peter, informed people about our upcoming HIV/AIDS workshops. Lots of people took the time to read our poster and listen, so hopefully there’s a big turnout tomorrow! Our main stop seemed to be in a market not too far outside of the UAACC. There was so much activity: children playing, women selling all sorts of fruits and vegetables and meats, men talking and laughing together.  It had a real community feel to it which was really refreshing.

Next week, we are holding a woman’s day where we talk about HIV/AIDS topics that might be more important to women like how to have a safe pregnancy even if your HIV positive and stigmas associated with HIV/AIDS.  Many of the women seemed to be interested in attending that workshop so it might be something we want to continue doing or even extend over a couple of days next time.

I’m a little nervous for our first workshop but I have a good feeling about it!

– Carrie

Carrie working on a poster for the workshops

Reflections

Going on the trip has changed how I look at this group and everything that we’ve been doing. Walking through the village, seeing people’s homes, hearing their concerns just enforces the feelings I had coming into this group that we are doing good work.

The thing I was most pleased with out of the whole week was when a man came in and said that he would love to hold discussions like the ones we were leading. We left them with copies of all our notes, and everything that we said in the presentations. I think that the best way for us to leave a lasting change given our limited resources is to inspire people in Tanzania to educate themselves and each other.

Finally, if I learned one thing this trip its that you can never trust a dog with dreads.

–Danny B.

Our unofficial trip mascot -- "Dread Dog"

We’re back!

The AIDSTanzania team spent a fantastic week and half living at the United African Alliance Community Center in the Imbaseni Village outside of Arusha. During our time there, we held HIV/AIDS workshops for women, men, and children, and sponsored a free HIV testing day. Overall, it was a huge success; many members of the community were able to come into the Center and get tested, ask questions, and even participate in some fun music and dancing afterward. We made lots of friends in the Imbaseni village, and had some experiences I’m sure none of us will ever forget.

Over the next few weeks, each of our team members who went on the trip will be posting a short personal reflection of their time in Tanzania, so keep checking back for more updates!

A fun group shot from one of our walks in the village. Clearly there are some goofballs on the ATZ team!

AIDSTanzania is accepting applications for Spring 2010!!

Check out the Application Tab to download the new application! Applications are due by midnight on February 26, 2010 and there will be an info session at 9:00 PM on February 22 in Blair 221. Hope to see you all there!!

Ineffective Foreign Aid in Africa

The effect of the United States’ domestic politics on its foreign policy and how this may impact countries receiving US financial aid is rarely considered. This includes Tanzania as it receives aid from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. Although this article is a little dated, it describes some key issues pertaining to the distribution of AIDS relief funds, such as mixing morality with aid and the difficulty of tracking the effectiveness of funds. Further explanation of the current problems with general international aid organizations can be found here.

Government Fundraising in Tanzania

Funding for HIV/AIDS in Tanzania from the government and international donors from 2007 to 2008 is expected to total more than 568 billion Tanzanian shillings, or about $476 million, according to a recently released government report, the Africa Science News Service reports.

According to the report, aid from the U.S. and the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria accounted for 86% of donor support in 2007 and might increase to more than 90% in 2008. In addition, the report found that funding for HIV/AIDS services is expected to equal 10% of all public expenditure in the country, or about 3% of Tanzania’s gross domestic product.

The report also noted that in 2006, HIV treatment and care represented 64% of combined U.S. and Global Fund aid. HIV prevention accounted for 15% of total expenditure, and economic and social support accounted for 8% in 2006, the report found.

The report also predicts continued increases in HIV/AIDS aid at levels of more than 500 billion shillings, or about $419 million, in 2008. However, the increase is based on the confirmation of a proposed increase in funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief to $300 million, Africa Science News Service reports (Neondo, Africa Science News Service, 5/7).

Semester Updates

AIDSTanzania is making many connections here in Virginia, both on and off campus. This weekend is Parents’ weekend here at the College of William and Mary, and two of our members were asked to present on the effects of international service. After the presentation, interested parents were able to talk more personally with our group, as we tabled in the lobby with our informational poster and hand outs.

In addition to reaching out to our students parents, we are going to be partnering with the Williamsburg Regional Library and SWEM library to present our documentary. Working with such active community partners, we expect a great turn out from the local Williamsburg community, presenting a perfect opportunity to spread awareness of ourselves as an organization, as well as the issues we work with year-round.

-Meghan

Testing Days

At our testing days we provide more than just HIV/AIDS Testing.  This photo is from the UAACC testing day where we had a table set up with numerous condoms and cucumbers. People could take as many condoms as they wished and could practice the proper way of using one with us. We had intstructions in swahili that they could take home with them as well.  We think it is important to teach about the prevention of HIV/AIDS and this is one way we get that message out there.

Needle Exchange Programs

As someone who volunteered for a summer at the Berkeley Needle Exchange, I know how effective these honest and socially responsible programs can be. Here is an excellent editorial on the subject. 

Devin