Yumilah Govinden's Posts - Community life competence2024-03-29T15:44:28ZYumilah Govindenhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YumilahGovindenhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2523261334?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://aidscompetence.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=0mq40kjv18dr3&xn_auth=noA unique experience : #Briquettes challengetag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2018-06-03:2028109:BlogPost:1699742018-06-03T17:00:00.000ZYumilah Govindenhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YumilahGovinden
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<p>The very first time i saw the Dancing Jajas from As You Open Your Eyes (AYOYE) video i was in awe. I was caught in this whirlpool of ideas and emotions; all that I could do with this one gem of a video, all the people it could reach and all the emotions it aroused in me. Having myself been a facilitator for the AYOYE team here in Mauritius I couldn’t help but think,…</p>
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<p>The very first time i saw the Dancing Jajas from As You Open Your Eyes (AYOYE) video i was in awe. I was caught in this whirlpool of ideas and emotions; all that I could do with this one gem of a video, all the people it could reach and all the emotions it aroused in me. Having myself been a facilitator for the AYOYE team here in Mauritius I couldn’t help but think, “Will the Poste Lafayette video be that amazing?”<br/> <br/> Everything about the Dancing Jajas interpellated me but one thing in particular caught my attention and ever since I saw the video it kept teasing my curiosity and it was those particular briquettes. I always thought that it would be an interesting activity which I would like to explore with my audience the day I participate in the showcase of the video. But do I go in front of my audience and facilitate activities and promote briquettes I haven’t even seen in real?<br/> This is how this very morning I woke up and got my father on board and together we made briquettes! It was an amazing experience. We did not have cassava flour so I used normal white flour. It was not the first time I made glue out of flour but for sure it was epic to have my fingers immersed in charcoal powder as i kneaded that flour glue and charcoal powder mixture.<br/> <br/> I believe that before being SALTy with the people you want to reach you have to go for that extra mile of SALTiness in your own life so as to Appreciate and Learn by experience. Thus, being more able to Transfer that knowledge or experience because not only you’ll be proud of yourself for having tried and done it but also making your audience trust you because you are someone who walk the talk. The making of the briquettes helped me bond with my father but also turned out as a near multidimensional or spiritual experience because when I had to take pictures I saw the cleared sugar cane fields behind my house, the earth had recently been ploughed and there were these heaps of earth here and there. I had flashes of the videos coming to me and I thought, “ We are human and we walk on the same earth…same colour, same texture… same as the blood and bones we share. And now this sweet breeze coming to me from beyond the sea (I live near the beach), lapping my hands covered with charcoal dust…Isn’t it said that we are made of star dust? Are we not all one big pool of carbon (charcoal)”<br/> <br/> I swear I almost felt the heartbeat of the Dancing Jajas within me. I feel so much gratitude to be part of the AYOYE family and I can’t wait to bring my briquettes along with me during the showcase of the Dancing Jajas video.<br/> <br/> #thankyoudancingjajas#briquetteschallenge. Signing out from Mauritius</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540722087?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540722087?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>AS YOU OPEN YOUR EYES-Poste Lafayette (Mauritius)tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2017-08-27:2028109:BlogPost:1639012017-08-27T16:00:00.000ZYumilah Govindenhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YumilahGovinden
<p><strong style="color: #ff0000; font-size: 16pt;">The human and learning experience</strong></p>
<p>As the Visual Development team's journey in Poste Lafayette comes to a closure, as a SALTy individual I cannot but do my very own after experience reflection (AER). For sure my words will not do justice to this unique experience because certain things cannot be described but are just engraved deep within the heart.</p>
<p><b>What did I appreciate?</b></p>
<p>I loved the authenticity of my…</p>
<p><strong style="color: #ff0000; font-size: 16pt;">The human and learning experience</strong></p>
<p>As the Visual Development team's journey in Poste Lafayette comes to a closure, as a SALTy individual I cannot but do my very own after experience reflection (AER). For sure my words will not do justice to this unique experience because certain things cannot be described but are just engraved deep within the heart.</p>
<p><b>What did I appreciate?</b></p>
<p>I loved the authenticity of my equation with the Visual Development team. According to me we found the right balance in our collaboration and this was reached because we were open to learn and listen to each other. Jessica and David (Visual Development team) valued me and never made me feel apart from the project. They always sought my views to better their work and their perspective of the Mauritian culture. Good communication was the key in making this collaboration a fruitful one.</p>
<p>I appreciated how easily they acquainted themselves with their new environment and embraced living within the “Cité Perdue” community with simplicity. They showcased tactfulness and they were keen to understand the community from within to get the very essence of the impact of SALT.</p>
<p><b>What would I change?</b></p>
<p>Having to drive more than one and a half hour from Souillac where I live to Poste Lafayette was an arduous task and if I could change that I guess I would have enjoyed more late afternoons with the team. I wish I had the resources to do more workshops with the children.</p>
<p><b>What about the future?</b></p>
<p>After the workshop with the football team I realised that I had a social responsibility towards the children of Poste Lafayette. With no financial resources but only my drive and intent, I wrote an email to the Prime Minister’s Office entitled “Request from a concerned citizen of Mauritius regarding “Cité Perdue”, Poste Lafayette”. After a few days, with no response, I thought it was the end of it. However, a few days back I got a call from the National Development Unit (NDU) which is under the Prime Minister’s office and a very kind lady informed me that the email was forwarded to her services and she was looking into the matter and that she would be doing her best to find a solution within her scope of work. She informed of an onsite visit very soon to view the needs of the community. I gave her the contacts of Guylène, community leader of “Cité Perdue” so as she might be guided during the visit. I will be following-up and fingers-crossed something positive and beneficial will come out of this endeavor.</p>
<p>Also, I shared my contact details with Guylène and I proposed to come support her for any activities she will be organising for the children. She already informed me about the end of year Christmas activities and I will surely be going over to help her.</p>
<p>Through, “As you open your eyes” I grew as a human because I was given the beautiful task to be the bridge between the inhabitants and the team. I observed the underlying and unspoken issues that would plague a community such as “Cité Perdue” and I learnt a lot by being a witness to all that the people had to say during the interviews. I knew that dreaming together makes a dream more potent than dreaming alone and that dreams are just not only hopes and expectations for the future.</p>
<p>So, I learnt that dreaming is also the way one hold the life within oneself and how one thrive to keep that life going and worthy. I watched the human I am blossom trifold and I discovered my own strengths and dreams. As you explore the life of others you not only learn from them but you also grow along with them. You develop belongingness to them and their shared dreams and when you realise how vulnerable and frangible their dreams can be you want to consolidate their dreams so as they do not let go of them. I had to practice being dispassionate at one point because there was such a thin line between duty of care and attachment. Last but not least, I embraced my identity as a human wholly. I always thought that I was a complete human until “Cité Perdue” came into my life…for me there will always be a before and an after to “As you open your eyes” because I feel that the whole experience made me better in so many ways.</p>
<p>Signing off now. I hope I have been able to transmit to you the energy of my experience. It is not as if a chapter is closing for me, I am opening a whole new book to my life now onwards. Wishing the other beacons, a fruitful “As you open your eyes” experience and I am sure everything will unfold beautifully in its own unique way for all.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540739579?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540739579?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>As you open your eyes: Exploring Poste Lafayette (Mauritius)tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2017-07-09:2028109:BlogPost:1632372017-07-09T06:00:00.000ZYumilah Govindenhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YumilahGovinden
<p class="xmsonormal">As you open your eyes, you see beyond…</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Beyond the hollow of empty eyes, the promise of a dream</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Beyond the veil of the weary tears, the birth of a smile</p>
<p class="xmsonormal"> </p>
<p class="xmsonormal">As you open your eyes, you see above…</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Above the fall of the gloom, the blossom of open arms</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Above the fly of faded flowers, the hope for better days…</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">As you open your eyes, you see beyond…</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Beyond the hollow of empty eyes, the promise of a dream</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Beyond the veil of the weary tears, the birth of a smile</p>
<p class="xmsonormal"> </p>
<p class="xmsonormal">As you open your eyes, you see above…</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Above the fall of the gloom, the blossom of open arms</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Above the fly of faded flowers, the hope for better days</p>
<p class="xmsonormal"> </p>
<p class="xmsonormal">As you open your eyes, you see through…</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Through the hues of black and white, the colors of infinity </p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Through the silence of unspoken words, the song of being human </p>
<p class="xmsonormal"> </p>
<p class="xmsonormal">As you open your eyes, you see beneath...</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Beneath the fold of a thousand wrinkle, the call for new blood</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Beneath the tear of grief set ablaze, the rise of the lotus </p>
<p class="xmsonormal"> </p>
<p class="xmsonormal">As you open your eyes, you see me…</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Your friend and your neighbour</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">Your support and your solace</p>
<p class="xmsonormal"> </p>
<p class="xmsonormal">As you open my eyes, I see you…</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">My same and yet my other</p>
<p class="xmsonormal">My other and yet my very own</p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540724752?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540724752?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>As you open your eyes: Exploring Poste Lafayette (Mauritius)tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2017-06-22:2028109:BlogPost:1622502017-06-22T18:00:00.000ZYumilah Govindenhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YumilahGovinden
<p class="x_MsoNormal">David, Jessica and little baby Clara have reached Mauritius on Wednesday the 14<sup>th</sup> of June 2017.They have been warmly welcomed by the inhabitants of Poste Lafayette. The team started their field work the very next day and I am glad to be sharing the experience with them. So many things amazed me among which how little Clara interacted with the inhabitants. It was beautiful to witness how a child could connect people. I am proud to say that I now know what is a…</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">David, Jessica and little baby Clara have reached Mauritius on Wednesday the 14<sup>th</sup> of June 2017.They have been warmly welcomed by the inhabitants of Poste Lafayette. The team started their field work the very next day and I am glad to be sharing the experience with them. So many things amazed me among which how little Clara interacted with the inhabitants. It was beautiful to witness how a child could connect people. I am proud to say that I now know what is a "dead cat". Jessica and David explained to me the importance of this long, furry object which is meant to clear unwanted noises during recording and in which there is a very sensitive microphone.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">The first day the “visual development” family went to meet the inhabitants I remember very well the stars shining in the eyes of the women present. It was not only about the hope but also about the excitement and the pride because their story is the first of a series of six which will be shared to the world. Furthermore, what caught my attention was not the jokes the women were making about having to do their make-up etc. but the fact that they felt special because their story was deserving enough to be told and shared as a beacon. </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Therefore, we have decided with David and Jessica to be authentic in our approach to reach out to the Poste Lafayette Community. To capture the essence of SALT and its impacts on the community, we have decided to tailor-make our approach for each interview so as each interviewee feel valued. We want to have a unique and fruitful collaboration between the team and the interviewees.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Furthermore, with the recent political upheavals regarding the squatters in Mauritius, we do not want outside factors to influence the making of the documentary. As we do not want the video to be a tool for political propaganda, the questions will be well thought and tactful so as we keep our intent and focus throughout the interviews. </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Also, we are aware that the dreams have not been achieved yet due to reasons beyond of the inhabitants’ control and therefore we want the interviewees to also reflect on the various steps and key questions they were asked during the process. We want to have on record how the various SALT processes and activities triggered a reflection and change in them. We want to be adaptable and keep a positive attitude always.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540793818?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540793818?profile=original" width="410" class="align-full"/></a></p>Two pinches of SALT for a holistic approach to literacy classes in Mauritiustag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2017-04-26:2028109:BlogPost:1607502017-04-26T05:30:00.000ZYumilah Govindenhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YumilahGovinden
<p>It has been almost two months now since I have been working as a trainer for youngsters wishing to work in hotels in Mauritius. Youngsters between the age of 16 to 25 who are mostly from vulnerable groups and poverty pockets and who sadly have been out of mainstream education system a bit too early. So far, my experiences as an educator/trainer have been limited to doing creative workshops and facilitating for A.B.A (Applied Behavior Analysis) which is one of the approaches contributing to…</p>
<p>It has been almost two months now since I have been working as a trainer for youngsters wishing to work in hotels in Mauritius. Youngsters between the age of 16 to 25 who are mostly from vulnerable groups and poverty pockets and who sadly have been out of mainstream education system a bit too early. So far, my experiences as an educator/trainer have been limited to doing creative workshops and facilitating for A.B.A (Applied Behavior Analysis) which is one of the approaches contributing to decrease symptom severity and maladaptive behaviors of children suffering from autism or autism spectrum disorders.</p>
<p> My area of expertise sought for this training being solely about literacy in terms of French and English language, I decided to use my experience of SALT to enhance my practice as a good trainer. As far as the basics of French and English language were concerned it was easy to find all the resources I needed either in books or on the internet. However, I had two challenges and those were: firstly, French and English language in the context of the hotel industry and secondly, ways to make the training attractive as I knew that mainstream education did not work for the youngsters. The latter bearing stigmata of marginalization and often victims of stereotypes due to various demographic factors represented a big challenge for me as I wanted to make my approach fruitful and impactful to them. I had 3 different sessions with 3 different groups and each group being diverse I must adopt my rhythm and content of work for each one to make my approach specific and unique to each.</p>
<p>The first pinch of SALT I added to my practice was on the very first day of the class whereby I implemented “What makes us human?” as an introductory question. By asking my audience to reflect on “What makes us human?” I provided them with the impulse to bring down the barriers they had within themselves, towards their friends in the class and the broader society by showing them the similarities among all humans. Following their reflection and subsequent brainstorming they would give me a series of words and from that I would point towards the importance of good and effective communication and the use of proper verbal as well as body language to communicate with people from different backgrounds. Thus, I was making them realise how beneficial this literacy class would be to them be it personally and professionally. By doing this I was ensuring they knew why they were here and what they would gain from the class. Indeed, for me it was primordial that the many reasons for why they dropped out of the mainstream education system was not repeated in my class and so I allowed them to reflect by themselves and decide for themselves. </p>
<p>My second pinch of SALT was the “heart exercise”. I gave them a square piece of paper and told them to write one hope and one concern. I chose to do it the anonymous way because I wanted them to feel free to write whatever they wanted without the fear of being judged. I was amazed at how resourceful the exercise turned out to be. This simple exercise gave me a sneak peek within the heart of my audience and while the hopes consisted mostly of being financially stable, having a house and a happy family etc. the concerns helped me encompass the underlying issues of my audience which were for example fear of being robbed and bullied, not having money or food. However, some concerns were so far unconceivable to me until I saw the words on paper and these were, the fear of death of parents and having to look after younger siblings, being alone, becoming addicted to social medias or inability to cope with social medias.</p>
<p>With these two pinches of SALT I could have a better understanding of the youngsters I was working with and thus I was able to adapt my approach and practice accordingly to reach to my audience in the best way possible.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>To be continued…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540698697?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540698697?profile=original" width="337" class="align-full"/></a></p>The path to dream building (Part 2)tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2016-12-04:2028109:BlogPost:1577582016-12-04T11:00:00.000ZYumilah Govindenhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YumilahGovinden
<p>“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.”</p>
<p>Pope John XXIII</p>
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<p class="Body">As i announced the ending of the card making session i observed the girls. They…</p>
<p>“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.”</p>
<p>Pope John XXIII</p>
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<p class="Body">As i announced the ending of the card making session i observed the girls. They were not rushing to pack up their things as they usually did and i had that smile inside my heart, “Is it that they are waiting for the next part of the workshop?” I started packing my materials and i watched them as they took out their lunch and i could not help but feel grateful, “So they brought lunch this time”</p>
<p class="Body">I asked them why they brought lunch and they told me, “Madam did you not say we have something to do together”. At that moment i was beaming. So, i did manage to get their attention. I told them to take a break and finish their lunch. I asked them where they bought their lunch. They were happy to tell me about their recent find out, a new shop in the village where you get a bread with “lots of sautéed chicken” for only Rs 35. I smiled and could not wait to start the next level of my dream building.</p>
<p class="Body">Once lunch was over, i took out my manicure kit and nail polishes out. They were excited and i told them to clean their hands properly and come back. I explained to them how to use a nail file, and introduced them to the cuticle oil. While doing so, we started a conversation on the importance of having trimmed and clean nails. Mid way i asked them how they felt and the answers did not wait,</p>
<p class="Body">“I feel proud and confident to walk on the street now”</p>
<p class="Body">“I feel beautiful”</p>
<p class="Body">“I want my nails to always be beautiful”</p>
<p class="Body">“I want to stop bitting my nails so as next time when i apply nail polish my nails are more beautiful”</p>
<p class="Body">“I used to watch my teacher’s nail when she handed me my work and now i feel happy to have beautiful hands too”</p>
<p class="Body">“Nobody ever showed me to do my nails. Now i want to always do that”</p>
<p class="Body">I asked them in what circumstances they could not wear nail polish. And we discussed about how a policewoman was not supposed to wear flashy nail polish and the importance to respect the uniform and they also added they would not wear nail polish to school. As they waited for the nail polish to dry i asked them about what they wanted us to do next time and what they want to learn. I asked them if they wanted to build their dreams and learn how to achieve them and they unanimously said that they want us to meet again and of course they wanted to continue with the nail polish activity.</p>
<p class="Body">We discussed on the activities we could do and to be in line with the manicure session i prompted them with a question, “Do we wear the same clothes for work, at home or for a party?”</p>
<p class="Body">And so we decided that we will do another session on how to dress up and each one will bring three outfits, one partywear, one day wear and one outfit for work and they will do a mini fashion show so as we can decide on the appropriate clothes to wear on different occasions.</p>
<p class="Body">Furthermore, i asked them “What are you going to do during the holidays?” and their answer was the one that always gives me goosebumps, the very poignant “nothing”. I asked them about the activities offered by the Youth Community Centre and they told me that they did Zumba but that it was boring because the music was old fashioned. I asked them about what did they feel was needed in the village and what would make them happy. The girl who wanted to be a teacher said she wanted a library and it was at that moment that all the four girls realised that there was no library in the village. I told them to think about more things they feel is needed in the village and we will talk about it the next time we meet.</p>
<p class="Body">As they left, one girl told me “Madam as soon as i am sixteen i want to get my learner so as i can get my car driving license when i am eighteen”</p>
<p class="Body">As they left i reflected on the importance of creativity and innovation in the matter of social work.</p>
<p class="Body">My lecturer often talks about social work being a science on its own and as i pave my way as a community service worker i can only agree with her. Social work requires constant questioning and upgrade in terms of approach. The world is in constant evolution, nothing is static. So as to effectively reach the community we work with we have no choice but to develop a holistic approach which is dynamic. By dynamic i mean creative, innovative, up to date…It is our duty to evaluate our approach and seek new ways to reach the community and this implies continuously re-inventing our perspectives on the matter and shape our approach to serve the community in the best way possible.</p>
<p class="Body">The first quality of a SALT facilitator is to be human and that means to embody all the positive characteristics that goes with it, which involves being an empathic and compassionate being having strengths, vulnerabilities and emotions. Being human means also being part of the “wheel of life” process on earth and that means to evolve.</p>
<p class="Body">I have been brought to apply this when planning my creative workshops with children. Seeing things in black and white does not serve anymore. In order to get the attention of children who have tablets and the latest smartphones we have to give them what these new technologies are not giving them and that is the human touch, the lively colours, different types of crayons and painting materials, a selection of mixed medias to arouse their senses, glitters and sparkles that will stick to their hands and accompany them home when the workshop is over.</p>
<p class="Body">In the wake of a dehumanized world, we have to more than ever call to the human we are and work hand in hand with those of our kind to build our common dream of a beautiful world.</p>
<p class="Body"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540690490?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540690490?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p class="Body"></p>THE POWER OF DREAMS-The path to dream building (Part 1)tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2016-11-28:2028109:BlogPost:1574082016-11-28T12:30:00.000ZYumilah Govindenhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YumilahGovinden
<p class="PullQuote">“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”</p>
<p class="Body">― <b><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/44566.Eleanor_Roosevelt">Eleanor Roosevelt</a></b></p>
<p class="Body">I reached the centre for my “Card making workshop with kids” and the centre was closed. The keeper forgot to open the centre and he was unreachable. I stood outside with the five young girls and informed them that we shall wait thirty minutes and if the keeper…</p>
<p class="PullQuote">“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”</p>
<p class="Body">― <b><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/44566.Eleanor_Roosevelt">Eleanor Roosevelt</a></b></p>
<p class="Body">I reached the centre for my “Card making workshop with kids” and the centre was closed. The keeper forgot to open the centre and he was unreachable. I stood outside with the five young girls and informed them that we shall wait thirty minutes and if the keeper does not revert back we shall re schedule the workshop for next week. Indeed, it was the blessing in our situation as i said to myself why not get SALTy with them. I asked them what made them proud. They said they did not know. I asked them to reflect a few minutes and one of them answered, “I am proud of my style. I know how to dress up” and the answers flowed,</p>
<p class="Body">“I am proud that i am beautiful”</p>
<p class="Body">“I am proud to have been the top of my section in Mathematics”. I asked them if they had any dreams. They said they did not know. They were surprised by the question and i realised how the whole question was an ordeal for them. I asked them about their dream job and the answers flowed, “I want to be a policewoman”, one wanted to become a cook, two others wanted to become air hostesses and the one who was proud to have topped her section in mathematics wanted to become a mathematics teacher.</p>
<p class="Body">I looked at them closely, the youngest being twelve and the eldest being fifteen years of age and all wearing revealing clothes, hair in a bun and nails unkept. Throughout the conversation they did not leave their phones. How do i get their attention? How do i get these young girls who have all the latest smartphones with 24/7 unlimited access to the internet? The later for sure being more interesting than our conversation as it was their portal to some other world, more funny, more enticing…</p>
<p class="Body">My lecturer told me yesterday in class “ In community service you are the student, the community you work with is your teacher” What am i learning from them? What are they showing me? </p>
<p class="Body">And i popped the question, “What about nail polish? What is your favourite color? “</p>
<p class="Body">They instantly looked at me. I added, “How about leaving aside your phone a while and show me your nails. I have a bunch of nail polish at home” I saw that the two who wanted to be air hostesses were into nail biting. I told them, “How about stopping gnawing at your nails? You know to be air hostesses you have to be well groomed. This is something that will give you credit during your interview” and instantly someone said “To be a policeman you need to know how to swim” and the girl who wanted to be a policewoman reacted and said that she has to learn how to swim.</p>
<p class="Body">I asked them if they wanted to pursue this conversation next week after our card making session as i will be bringing some nail polish so as they can manicure their hands. They were thrilled about the idea.</p>
<p class="Body">Furthermore, I proposed to drop them home as they were all neighbours to each other. As i drove i asked, “Who want to drive and have your own car?” They were unanimous, all of them wanted to learn driving and own a car. And i asked, “Is that not a dream?”</p>
<p class="Body">Someone from the back seat replied, “Madame noune blié personne zamé demandé” meaning</p>
<p class="Body">“Madam we forgot because nobody ever ask”.</p>
<p class="Body">I realised that contrary to the under ten years old children i have worked with the above ten years of age have already started forgetting about their dreams. They have to reflect more and their answers are not prompt and direct. They have settled in some lethargy and as if their minds have shifted from dream and hope mode to sleep mode. It takes to tap into their areas of interest which are boys, fashion, music whatever is trending on the web or in the society and then bring their attention into the now and build on that slowly but surely.</p>
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<p class="Body">To be continued…</p>On the spot improvisation of SALT with childrentag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2016-11-02:2028109:BlogPost:1573352016-11-02T08:00:00.000ZYumilah Govindenhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YumilahGovinden
<p align="center" style="text-align: left;">Before the session started Mr Autry Haynes approached me and asked what were these 5 children doing. They were the children, nephews and grandchildren under 10 years of age of the women coming for SALT and they would be spending the next one and a half hour drawing all by themselves. My Haynes suggested that along with my friend, Jessinee, we improvise a session with the children.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We started the session asking the…</p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: left;">Before the session started Mr Autry Haynes approached me and asked what were these 5 children doing. They were the children, nephews and grandchildren under 10 years of age of the women coming for SALT and they would be spending the next one and a half hour drawing all by themselves. My Haynes suggested that along with my friend, Jessinee, we improvise a session with the children.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We started the session asking the children, “What are you proud of?” and the answers were many, my love for animals, the dress my father gave me, I’m a good football player, my friends, my school, my country and the trees and beach of my village. The children had difficulty identifying with the feeling of pride surely due to the absence of ego. I noticed that for them being proud had more to do with the simple things that made them happy.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The second question asked was, “Do you have a dream?” and they were quick to respond and the answers were, I want to become a pilot and travel the world, a veterinary and save animals, a doctor and heal people or a cook and have my own restaurant</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Throughout the session their dreams were clear and they did not have to reflect much to seek the right answer. In addition when i asked them what must they do to achieve their dreams they were unanimous, "Go to school". They were very keen to share their ideas with their peers.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Afterwards the mothers were curious to learn of the outcome of the session and after I did an “exposé” to them, they were deeply touched by the activity carried out and someone said,</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Sometimes we as adults we think only of our dreams and we tend to forget that our children also have dreams. And these dreams deserve that we as parents empower our children towards making them come true”</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Another woman shared the story of her son whose dream was to become a chef but unluckily dropped out of school at an early age. She thought that her son would never achieve his dream so he used to accompany her as she worked as a helper in a restaurant. He used to assist her in her tasks. One day the restaurant was to be relocated and the owner decided to take him as an apprentice and today he is a well-established chef in five start hotel.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I concluded that adopting the SALT approach with children is easier as they hold no barriers such as fears or pre conceived ideas towards their dream. If we are able to add a pinch of SALT as and when in the lives of these children by doing SALT follow ups we will be able to keep the fire of their motivation and creativity alive so as they grow up as committed and fearless individuals who will strive to reach their dreams.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Adopting a holistic approach to SALT so as to tailor made the program to each group is primordial to effectively touch the lives of people. Furthermore, it is essential to have a degree of flexibility and open mindedness so as anytime as SALT facilitators we can improvise an action that however small or insignificant it may seem will bring an individual closer to his dream. </p>
<p>This simple initiative taken by us proved fruitful at different levels. Firstly, it lead those mothers and grandmothers to share their own personal experiences and express their fears and doubts concerning child raising. We witnessed the older generation empowering the younger generation of mothers and there was a real sense of sharing among them. Secondly, this lead the women to become aware of the role they themselves play in the lives of their children as nurturers of their children's dreams. They realized that as beneficiaries of SALT along with their children, they are bringers of change and this can lead their families towards their common dream that of a conducive home environment and a happy family life where there is peace and joy.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540691360?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540691360?profile=original" width="240"/></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>Two weeks of SALTiness :-)tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2016-10-14:2028109:BlogPost:1567652016-10-14T18:00:00.000ZYumilah Govindenhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/YumilahGovinden
<p>I am profoundly impressed by the program. It made me think of the Salt March initiated by Gandhi which was an act of nonviolent civil disobedience in colonial India so as indian are allowed to produce salt from the seawater in the coastal village, as was the practice of the local populace until British officials repeatedly used force to stop it.<br></br> The program to me is a non violent and legitimate act to make education accessible to each and everybody. It is giving back the power to the…</p>
<p>I am profoundly impressed by the program. It made me think of the Salt March initiated by Gandhi which was an act of nonviolent civil disobedience in colonial India so as indian are allowed to produce salt from the seawater in the coastal village, as was the practice of the local populace until British officials repeatedly used force to stop it.<br/> The program to me is a non violent and legitimate act to make education accessible to each and everybody. It is giving back the power to the people. It is an empowerment program which is giving the impulse to people of vulnerable groups and poverty pockets to think and awake from years of unworthiness. It is clear that the program aim is long term and impactful. Emphasis is put on the identity of self which is undoubtedly a facet of an individual often overlooked by the mainstream educational system. Furthermore, the program reflect a lot on the cooperation and team spirit which is required for a community to move out of poverty. The fight against poverty is not an individual one but of many. The program reinforces the empathy and compassionate nature which is innate to humans but which tend to be disregarded. <br/> The individual following the program is slowly and surely given the tools to tap into his or her own creativity and intelligence so as he/she takes the initiatives needed for him/her to move out of the undesired situation he/she is and strives towards a better and more comfortable,feel good one.<br/> Throughout the program one common and powerful word is heard repeatedly and that is "education". The people knows the importance of education but life circumstances made them move away from it. So, we can feel how grateful and blessed they feel to be given this program. We can say for sure that this program is the first stepping stone to a change in consciousness. We not only hear the cry of these people who want more than ever to move out of poverty but we also see their thirst for education, for being heard and seen and given a chance to reclaim a power they have lost,that of being complete and whole individuals so as they can exert their free will,their right to choose. I believe that no government, nobody has the right to impose poverty on an individual. The latter should be given all the means to rise and succeed and lead a decent life where his/her dignity is preserved then only we can say whether poverty is a choice or not.<br/> Mr<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540689499?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="243" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540689499?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="243" class="align-right"/></a> Autry Haynes has been a real inspiration and it has been a pleasure and an honour being part of the program on these past two weeks.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540689499?profile=original" target="_self"><br/></a></p>