Myanmar opens its door and heart for the AIDS Competence Process

[Laurence Gilliot]

Last week Sirinate and I facilitated a learning event in Yangon, Myanmar to introduce the AIDS Competence Process. We were invited by the National Network of NGOs (3N) against HIV. 35 participants, mostly People Living with HIV from Community Based Organisations and self-help groups throughout the country, attend the three day event.

Even though I don't understand a word of Burmese (or maybe just one 'Jesutinbadé' = thank you!) I saw how joyful and relaxed our new Burmese friends are. They are eager to learn, listen carefully, and participate as much as they can in every session. Many of them have gone through a lot... when discovering their HIV status, several of our friends shared they wanted to commit suicide. Fortunately, they changed their mind when they realized they could live with HIV and have access to ARVs.

Access to ARV is one of the biggest challenges here. The government provides ARV for about 2000 people and the rest comes from International NGOs. You can only access ARV in Yangon. I admire my Burmese friends for their courage.

Participants were enthusiastic about the new approach. Here are some reflections about SALT:

- "SALT provides a systematic way for a visit. The A of appreciation is important. No one dislikes to be appreciated. Even plants: a plant that receives appreciation will grow faster than the one without appreciation." said Edward

- "I did another training in Thailand for 3 months. I never had the opportunity to appreciate, only to listen and learn." said Koko.

I gave our friends a little assignment on the first day: "When you go home tonight, try to appreciate at least one person. It can be the taxi driver, the cook, or your family member. See what happens!"

The next day, we shared how it went. The first one to speak is Eung Soi Moi: "As soon as I came home from the workshop, I called my wife. I appreciated the fact that she let me come to the workshop." I can suddenly see the human and sweet side of Eung Soi Moi, who is always joking and very self-confident.

On the last day, participants shared more reflections:

- "My attitude changed: Now I look for strengths! And I learned it is important not only to identify strengths but also to tell communities which strengths we see in them."

- "This approach is very good because it is a simple process for us to practice and there is not much jargon like outputs, outcomes, etc."

What I learned: It is that we, as coaches and facilitators, we can trust in the capacities of new facilitators. Sometimes I catch myself thinking "They still didn't understand this or this."... but time will come. And we have to think more how we can make new facilitators feel that we trust in their capacity. That we value their existing strengths. While at the same time, challenging the more traditional 'problem-solving/doing-for-others' approaches.

Participants agreed that three days was not enough and that Sirinate and I should come back!

[wiwin winarni]

Dear Laurence,

I'm happy reading your blog particularly the way you stimulated participant by practicing appreciate at least one person. Yes I do believe thta our Burmese friends will do because you aks them to do so, but the response would be very empowering, very inspiring, very unpredictable, very wonderfull and can change other see better or best side of another. I do thank you, I will try this to my husband and my collegues to day. And can't wait to see the response tomorrow.

Jesutinbade' Lau

Wiwin

[Sally Moore]

I am so happy you have done this as I tried in my time in Myanmar to see the process introduced....knowing the hearts of Myanmar people I know you will support a growth that will surprise and stimulate you in ways you would never expect! zezutimbade!!

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Dear Laurence,

I enjoyed reading your blog. How easily people relate to Appreciation aspect of SALT. In a recent SALT visit with truckers one of the community facilitators remarked that appreciation is a very powerful tool. Today when I go home I will tell my wife how well she cooks for me. its so simple! Facilitators recognized that SALT begins from home with one's family.

Jesutinbadé

Rituu

[Shk. Rashid Muyingo]

This was soooooo good. Thank you for sharing with us.

[Gaston]

Thanks Laurence for sharing. Great pictures and inspiring quotes. My blog about Indonesia will come soon!

[Dewi Rahmadania]

Good story L.,
i learned new approach again from you.,

terimakasih..,
Dewi

[NAMARA ARTHUR ARAALI]

Very important approach indeed. Good work

[yunety tarigan]

truly inspiring