Sharing SALT in Region 6- the Ancient Country

[Nicole Rhonda Cole]

Commissioner Cole and her Son visited Region 6 and shared SALT and HIV awareness with Participants who were desirous of learning about STIs and SALT as a strengths model in facilitating an AIDS Competent Community! The difference between HIV and AIDS was a very good point to note since many confuse these two concepts. The fact that one can live a very long and Healthy life if HIV positive was discussed in earnest; however, the fact that one can rapidly progress to the stage of AIDS if one was negligent with one's health was noted by all the Participants! Of course many questions were asked concerning the incubation of HIV/AIDS. The SALT and Dream Building exercise was the Fun part with Participants drawing the individual, group, and community dreams. Our ways of thinking and working as people in the community drew thought-provoking answers as well as the questions 'Are we Human'? and 'what makes us Human'? The participants were all enthused and they expressed a desire to have sessions once monthly.

 

Five common STIs were also discussed namely HPV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Herpes Simplex 1 and 2.

[Nicole Rhonda Cole]

However, most of the participants opined that they would be curious to know how the person/persons contracted HIV since their willingness to assist will be premised on the 'MODES OF TRANSMISSION'! Some posited that they would be shocked in the beginning when they would have learnt of the person's status; however, they would still offer support, care and Love.

[Nicole Rhonda Cole]

The Participants emphasized that they would help a member or members in their community if they knew that he or she was HIV positive by caring for them through proving peer support. They posited that they will also share their food with a HIV positive individual and that they would assist the women in caring for their children.