HIV Camp - Barangay Training - Job Readiness

Earlier this month I was able to serve as a facilitator for a three day HIV/AIDS camp. This was targeted at our outreach clients who are still active in prostitution. I partnered with a fellow volunteer and we taught the ladies about the transmission of HIV and how to use condoms. Despite their profession many of the participants had never used a condom, so we had a good time practicing with egg plants. The venue was absolutely beautiful. It was a great opportunity for our girls to learn some new information and just enjoy getting away from the pressures of the city.

After a few months of down time our advocacy projects are picking up. We just had a Quick Response Team Training for barangay officials where we discussed the important role of local government in reporting cases of sex trafficking and prostitution within our target communities. I was able to facilitate a human referral system activity to help our core groups understand their place within the bigger system. Each person's body represented a part of the system and they had to use their arms to connect to other resources.  I made them do this without talking so we all had a good laugh watching them figure it out. 

 

 

I am still teaching Job Readiness Training at the center and this batch of girls will graduate from our program on April 20^th. Most of them have applied for scholarships and will get funding to finish school before they receive assistance in securing employment. I have really enjoyed bonding with the ladies in this class and they always inspire me. Some days I feel less motivated but by the end of our sessions together we always share many fits of laughter and I remember that my service is a two way street.  I feed off their positive energy and  it's all reciprocal. 

This last week has been hard for me emotionally as I lost my cat Sara.  I have been expecting this for a few years now, but my heart still broke when I heard the news. Despite my horrible allergies, I just completely loved being with her. I wish I could have been there to say goodbye.