Wow, today we finally were able to work with the children! The day started at the Ubuntu office, where we were given a tour of both the onsite HIV testing crate and their mobile HIV center. The onsite container, with one nurse and one councilor, was able to test a maximum of 10 people a day. The mobile van on the other hand, also with one nurse and one councilor, could test up to 14 people a day. The van offered extra privacy to those who wished to be tested discreetly and also had Ubuntu's first male nurse, who actually attracted many more men, as they felt more comfortable working with another man. Our guide explained how important privacy was when it came to HIV testing. Many people were fearful of the stigma that could come with simply walking into the clinic. It seemed ironic that, despite the 40% HIV+ rate, the community was judgmental of those who simply walked into a clinic.
Next, we traveled to one of the primary schools in Zuide (the township), and received a tour of the two shipping containers that housed Ubuntu's primary kitchen. The kitchen, which had a small garden outside, would produce lunch for the certain schools that Ubuntu sponsored. Many of us were shocked when we were told that some of the schools could not afford to feed their students. This meant that the students came to school hungry, and returned home without lunch, hoping to find a bite to eat for dinner. This has inspired us to organize a fundraiser in order to provide food to a school in Zuide for a year.
We then traveled to another primary school, where Ubuntu was hoasting 'lifeskills" classes. Ubuntu essentially comes to a school and provides one of its teachers to replace the normal teachers. These replacements teach songs and lead discussions about HIV and AIDS, teaching through a fun approach they call "edutainment". We were all divided up and distributed into classes. Jon, Hurst and I were given to "Nicolas' " class. He was extremely professional, and the kids loved him! We were blown away by how talented all the students were as well. They learned new songs and dances in just minutes! The three of us helped distribute snacks (juice, apples and banannas) that Ubuntu had provided. Soon enough, class was dismissed and we were mauled by hundreds of children wanting their picture taken. The children go crazy at the sight of a camera, and wish to see their picture immediately after it is taken. Interacting with the kids and taking hundreds of pictures with them was possibly one of the most fun experiences we have had with Ubuntu so far!
Afterwards, we returned to the B&B and then went to dinner at the Boardwalk. After dinner, we were able to do some shopping in the many stores located on the boardwalk around the casino. What a great day...
Today, after breakfast, we went to the Ubuntu offices and had a fantastic session with Quoniclei. We discussed what Ubuntu meant to each of us, and brainstormed various fundraisers we could organize once we returned home. Quoniclei was blown away! It seems that Ubuntu is growing ever more impressed with us with each passing day! This is great news as it not only strengthens our relationship with the organization, but it uncovers more opportunities for us during our stay. Afterwards, we headed over to Spengas, a small restaurant run out of a shed in the middle of the marketplace in the township. We were all a bit skeptical at first; however, once he brought out the first plate of food, we quickly realized how delicious the food was. We were sure that Spengas would turn out to be our favorite restaurant of the entire trip! After eating at Spengas, we returned to the B&B and enjoyed a little down time. This was wonderful, as it allowed for some of us to get some much needed rest and allowed the rest of us to reflect on the trip and work on our journals (or in my case, this blog).
