Livingstone & Victoria Falls

Last weekend I ventured out of my little city, down to Livingstone, to observe an AIDS prevention abstinence program run by a group of peer educators from UNZA (students involved with the AIDS Response Unit where I work). It was quite the trip.

The first day was spent on the bus, looking for a hostel that would house all 18 of us and (of course) checking out the Victoria Falls! What a beautiful place. I don’t think they are as big as Niagara, but they certainly are breathtaking and perhaps more beautiful. Since the water is low during this season you could see all of the incredible rock formations and even walk on the top of the falls (it’s all rocky, with pools of water)! I’d really like to go back there again when there is more water, and when I have a little bit more time to explore and take in the various views.

The second day was spent visiting three high schools in the area and observing the educators as they gave individual, interactive presentations to the older classes. The format of the presentation was usually: a general description of UNZA and the academic programs offered, general discussion of HIV/AIDS prevention and finally a discussion of the virtues of abstinence. I must admit, I was more convinced by this abstinence program after seeing it (I think it may have actually reached a number of the girls, but the boys seemed less willing). However, it was really hard to listen to the anti-condom banter that often accompanied the discussions. I understand why the educators needed to stress the unreliability of condoms so as to sell the abstinence message, but it was troubling to hear when it was clear that many of these students were already having sex. Anyways, while I am suspicious as to whether such abstinence programs do much good, I am still open to the possibility and think that it is difficult to predict Zambian results when still stuck in a Canadian mindset (where religion is less prominent, abstinence is pushed less and almost all public health programs have a safe sex element). We’ll see.

On a more positive note, I must say I was really really impressed by the peer educators – they were really able to connect with the students and speak articulately about their topic. I just wonder sometimes if it is hard for these educators to resolve in their minds their own religious beliefs (most of them are very Christian), the AIDS science/sociology they have been taught and the grants within which they must work (i.e. this program was funded by the socially conservative PEPFAR program).

When not ‘working’ I had a really good time getting to know the peer educators (we had a big bbq together, spent evenings in the dorms, etc). They’re a pretty fun bunch and I think I’ll likely be friends with a few of them. Already there is talk of going to the movies and shoe shopping with some of the ladies! Haha :) Should be fun.

When the professor and I returned from Livingstone (a painful 7 hour drive) we spent most of the week attending meetings at the University trying to arrange future projects for the professor (hopefully one aimed at mainstreaming AIDS into all undergrad curriculum). Overall, the meetings went well, but I think this project, along with all others, are going to move very very slowly. It’s going to take a bit of time getting used to the pace!

On a very good (personal) note: the gender equity project/ideas I discussed earlier seems to be supported by my Toronto boss, so hopefully over the next few weeks I’ll get a clearer idea of my exact involvement.

… Further (non-Livingstone related!) notes:

- Yes (Evan!), I have been picking up a bit of the local language (Nyanja) although most people speak English fluently. FYI: Muli bwanji (How are you), Bwino (I am fine), Zikomo (thank you)… this is about as far as I’ve gotten!

- I’m still hanging out with the Czechs a fair bit. Last night we had a huge bbq and today went to the game park to swim and bbq more (no giraffes were harmed). Tomorrow I think I’ll see those three Canadian girls again (CIDA interns).

- The rest of my time here is usually spent walking around, jogging (and getting lost), buying hippo-themed things, reading, investigating doctoral programs, emailing and attempting to download Grey’s Anatomy (pretty impossible!).

- I think that’s it!... which means I am off to bed… good night!

Check out photos @:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2163542&l=85251&id=13613119