Introducing SALT and the AIDS Competency Process to Social Workers, Nurses, and VCT Personnel

[Nicole Rhonda Cole]

On 12th May, 2011 the Guyana Competence Team led by Nicole Cole and accompanied by Mr.Lydon Welch and Ms.Marlyn Waterman conducted a one day workshop at the National AIDS Programme Secretariat Head Office. The Participants were diverse with Regions 4, 6, 7, and 10 being represented. Mr. Welch and Ms. Waterman are junior facilitators who are practicing SALT in order to become AIDS Competent Facilitators. The audience was very warm and welcoming to the SALT approach since it sought to focus on "Strengths" within the Communities and not Weaknesses! Questions were asked concerning the Potentials, Resource, and Strengths within the Participant's Communities. When these were identified then they participated in Building their 'Individual Dream', 'Group Dream' then their 'Community Dream'. What is very evident is that all the participants had fun! They laughed and giggled like small children whilst drawing. The Guyana Competence Team were able to complete three modules with these participants because of the 'time constraint' of only one day; however, we will be planning another session to complete Modules 4, 5, and 6 with this Group since they are critical because of their Roles within the Health Sector as Professionals working with PLWHAs.

[Autry Haynes]

WOT - WOW: WTG - Way to Go, Guyana Competence(^_^). When people can laugh, giggle when doing somethings, greater connection is achieved leading to trust. They would have left with high enthusiasm and expection. Looking forward to the future ativities. Invite me :-)

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Hi Nicole,

 

Happy to read this. Congratulations to Lyndon, Marlyn, you and other team members. I am eager to learn more about the group dream. Last year Sana Meitram from India facilitated Community action day with counselors.

 

Warmly,

Rituu

[Gaston]

Wow, great to see this Nicole, Lyndon and Marlyn. I am looking forward to hear more about their experiences in their work with ACP. It is not always easy for VCT personnel, nurses and social workers to become also facilitators. Your experiences will be valuable for others to learn from.

P.S. And the next visit of the Constellation in July will dedicate more time to develop a national process of certification that you all feel comfortable with (including your National coach!), so this will not depend on the global Constellation Support Team as such. 

[Nicole Rhonda Cole]

The Junior Facilitators are looking forward to being certified by the Constellation since they are practicing SALT!!!