The Silver Lining

So since last post was about my struggles, I thought I would share some good things that have been happening.....

Well, to start off, I am pleased as punch to FINALLY announce that after many months of coordinating, designing and beating our heads against the walls, the deaf friendly VCT kit is officially finished!!!!! This project was first thought of by Volunteers from the group before mine. So from start to finish….2 years. So long time coming. The kit was designed as a tool for people working with a deaf populations in an HIV capacity. The kit includes a movie(15min long) going through the step by step process of an HIV test all while using Sign Language. Our hope was that organizations would play this in their facility while clients wait. If they are hearing, they can watch and if they know someone who is deaf in their village, they can let them know there is a deaf friendly facility. So a mix of VCT education and deaf awareness happening at the same time. Also, the video will go into schools, allowing students to know what happens during a test as well. A lot of adults and students don’t get tested due to the fact they don’t know what happens.

There are also 2 posters that will accompany the video. The 1st poster is an illustrated condom demonstration that goes through how to put on a condom step by step. They are all hand drawn by another volunteer. You would not believe what we had to Google to get the drawings perfect. A lot of people do not know how to use a condom correctly. So this poster will be a huge asset to the VCT when they go out and give out condoms. The 2nd poster is intended to be used to show what the client needs to do after testing positive( take meds, eat healthy, use protection etc.) or testing negative( use protection, go back after 3 months etc.) A lot of the times, people get tested and then go home. They don’t know if you test negative, you have to go back after 3 months, or if you test positive, you have to stay healthy and continue using protection. With the kit, we hope more and more people who are/are not deaf will get tested, use a condom and continue using protection.

Another volunteer and I came up with an idea to make a music video with out two schools. We are sort of on a time crunch but will try it anyway. The idea is the kids will make a song about deaf empowerment, what being deaf means to them etc. We put it to music and the film the two schools dancing and signing it. It’s surprising to see these kids have no self esteem when it comes to being deaf. The outside world treats them like they don’t exist. Our hope is by making the song, they will realize what amazing people they are and what a beautiful language KSL is.

Gave my Class 6 their KSL midterm. Highest score was an 83%!!!!!

Going to Nairobi to help plan the Camp Glow this weekend (This time my students get to go) and I have already made a list of all the amazing food Im going to eat before coming home to the village.

Although Michael died, the other puppy I was taking care of now has a tummy and getting fatter.