By now…almost 3 months into my service, I know many of you are wondering what I will be doing in Mozambique for the next 2 years…besides of course eating LOTS of peanut butter, dancing and teaching everyone the greatness that is Gaga!
I am officially a community health volunteer in Quelimane. I am assigned to work with 2 different national NGO’s (non-governmental organizations). Both organizations work in the areas of public health, both focusing on HIV/AIDS education, prevention, treatment and care. They also work on other issues of public health, including TB and malaria as well as, domestic violence, OVC (orphans and vulnerable children) and human rights.
As of now I am not totally sure as to what my role will be with either organization, as I have only been here for 2 weeks and am still learning about everything they do and their current needs. Most of what I will do will be along the lines of the development and empowerment of the organizations and the various community groups connected with the organizations. I will also most likely work directly with activists and community groups that focus on HIV/AIDS, OVCs and human rights.
Besides working with both of these organizations I also am encouraged to work with other community members and organizations that might need help or support. As of now I have not identified these people or groups. But I am excited at the prospect of working with youth in particular, and especially children and youth who are not in school or living on the street.
But we will see. One of the best parts of being a health volunteer in the Peace Corps is I have a less structure and more flexibility to respond to the community’s needs and use my own strengths and interests! So don’t be surprised if I do a dance project…
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