HIV Training

Esther and Gloria completed the HIV training with me

Playing with condoms and dildos at PEPFAR training

Learning how to teach HIV / sex education

First part of the week was spent organizing projects, writing proposals and budgets. Then off to Ica for an HIV/STD workshop with two of the nurses from my Health Post. It was wonderful to get to know these hard-working ladies as friends, as well as co-workers during the workshop and at lunch and dinner. Also, always a pleasure to see some of my fellow PCVs, though the youngsters run on a very different schedule than I do. Late nights and sleeping in just doesn’t work for me.

The workshop was well planned and executed. The main presenter Dr Jose, was dynamic and engaging. It was also a classic example of how using “dynamicas”, or participatory activities really works to keep folks from losing interest. Pure lecture , even with a great slide show or PowerPoint, just doesn’t cut it anymore. Frequent exercises and “games” keep the interest up and allow for real interaction and learning in small groups. The only down side was the location – a small facility with poor ventilation in the Ica desert heat.

A few shocking statistics : 13% of teenage girls (<18) have HIV or other STD – 15% of boys // almost 40% of girls in poverty or extreme poverty conditions will be pregnant before age 18. While the level of HIV seems to have leveled off, STD and teen pregnancy is on the rise. And, these are REPORTED cases only. Many go unreported or undiagnosed due to lack of access to care or intentional under-reporting by authorities. Abuse of women is also a huge problem in this land of Machismo. This is still an accepted norm, so is rarely reported or punished. Thanks to US contributions, we will be able to do educational programs and increased testing to help combat these interrelated problems.

We stayed at the usual PC hotel – Palacio del Del Sol – which is very comfortable, though modern/Spartan, with hot water (which I really don’t use) and a bank of free internet computers (which I do). Emily, my go-to breakfast cart vendor was a welcome sight. She remembered her Goyo and made a kind comment that my Spanish was much better than last visit. She works her cart from 5am to noon 7 days a week. And, of course, one of the best parts of Ica is the ice cream shop on the Plaza – always a decadently sweet way to end the day – with some of the best gelato and a stroll in the fountain-filled Plaza de Armas.

Fernando’s two construction projects are moving ahead on schedule. He’s building a crypt in the cemetery across the street and adobe front walls for a new house, also just across the street. The crypt will hold 14 coffins, 8 below ground and 6 above. Cremation is not an option here in San Luis, although I hear it is gaining popularity in Lima.

The best part of coming home was seeing “my” kids again. I brought some treats and answered endless questions about Ica, which to them, is like some far-away land.

I got an advance peek at the newly revised official PC Bike Policy. All the suggestions Ben and I proposed have been have been codified and put into action. No longer will PCVs be buying bikes on their own. A high quality bike, complete with tool kit, pump, repair kit, lock and helmet will be provided, along with maintenance, riding and repair training. This is a huge improvement for the PCVs, and will result in lower costs down the road for the PCHQ, as well. The chosen bike is the Goliat, manufactured right here in Arequipa, Peru. It is a solid and sturdy steel model with superb brake and derailleur systems – a little heavier than my aluminum Trek, but a very serviceable bike, with readily available replacement parts. The only “down-side” is that it only comes in an 18” frame, so larger and smaller PCVs will get a “Fuji” model, sized appropriately. Al-in-all, I could not be more pleased at the speed and response of the PCHQ Staff to this issue.