My first workshop

Last week I attended my first training workshop as an observer and general gopher.

Headteachers and teachers from the ten government special schools, plus one private school, all based in and around Georgetown, came for three days of training. Such workshops are held during the school holidays as there is no money for cover staff during the school term. While many teachers live locally, one told me she had to get up at 4am to catch the bus from Linden to arrive in time for the workshop.

The training package was assembled by Jocelyn, a US Peace Corps Response volunteer and the Ministry of Education HIV and AIDS Awareness Coordinator. Sessions varied, including DVDs, specialist speakers from education, health, the business community and youth groups-with some from the Peace Corps and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), activities,high and low tech. resources, learning games and making resources from everyday materials.

Day one covered facts about HIV and AIDS. Guyana has the second highest rate of HIV infection in the Caribbean after Haiti. Statistically speaking, each person in the assembled group would know someone affectted by HIV and AIDS. Myths and misunderstandings were clarified. The most common one- that mosquitoes cause HIV was explained: mosquitoes draw blood but don't inject; if they did spread HIV then everyone would be HIV positive.

The second and third days dealt with teaching methodology and modifying materials to meet the needs of specific disabilities and impairments.
With the last minute cancellation by the drama specialist, I offered to help. Jocelyn and I put together a role play based on "Making healthy choices to keep well", using puppets we found in the Jolly Phonics box in the SEN unit.

Dr Bee in consultation

Sally Snake is ill

As in the UK, young people with disabilities are at greater risk of abuse and exploitation. Young people with disabilities share the same right to safely enjoy personal relationships.
This workshop was a heartening start to my work at the SEN unit in Guyana.

And finally, news that the safe sex message is getting across.
The Guyana papers report that engineers working to unblock the sewers in Carmichael Street, Georgetown, blame the 3,000 used condoms flushed down toilets in the neighbourhood.
(No details of how the condoms were counted)