NEWS

Laptops Used to Teach HIV Awareness in Namibia

(Email from Peace Corps volunteer Kami Lee to IC Director):

You ask how the computers related to my work in HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. First of all, the classes are “AIDS/Computer Literacy Classes” – all the exercises are related to HIV/AIDS – in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Secondly, I feel that employability – if that’s a word – is an important goal and there is no question but that computer skills are becoming more and more necessary in order to qualify for many types of jobs. And, thirdly, especially with the kids, empowerment (a feeling of self-confidence and worth) is key to living a healthy lifestyle and being able to say no to risky behavior, alcohol and drugs – and learning how to use a computer is definitely empowering!

Currently, I am giving classes to two groups:
Health centre staff (nurses, a health assistant, a driver, a cleaner and two community counselors) – Monday, Tuesday and Friday afternoons 5-6 pm Boys (ages 13-19) from the hostel – Saturday and Sunday afternoons 3-4:30 pm.

Interestingly enough, but probably not surprising, is that the kids catch on MUCH QUICKER! They have a ball, are not afraid to experiment and practice whenever they get a chance. The adults are – at least so far – quite timid and call me over to ask ‘is this the key you mean?’ before pressing it. And, of course, they are all working full time and most have families and it’s hard for them to have the time and/or energy to practice outside of class.

Did I tell you that during the first class for the boys last Saturday, I told them they were welcome to practice any time I was at site and could supervise them. ALL nine showed up at my door the next morning – Sunday—at 8 am! I made them wait until I’d had breakfast and then they practiced enthusiastically all morning long.

There is a HUGE NEED for computers here (and I imagine all over Namibia) and for people who can give classes. Word has gotten round about the laptops and several members of the community have waylaid me to ask why they can’t learn too – and the hostel fathers said that many more boys would like to learn and couldn’t I please give classes to at least one other group before I leave. As it is, I’m stretched pretty thin so think this will be it for me. Hopefully, the next PCV here will take up where I leave off…

Kami Lee/Peace Corps Volunteer
HIV/AIDS Awareness & Prevention
St. Joseph Health Centre Shambyu
PO Box 460
Rundu, NAMIBIA