Caregiver Day at Baylor Clinic (Neglect & Abuse)

Twice monthly, dozens of eager children from across the district arrive at Baylor Pediatric HIV/AIDS Clinic to take part in Teen Club, a psychosocial support program for adolescents who are HIV positive. The kids, who are patients at the clinic, are grouped with peers of the same age level and are provided a safe place to play, learn, and be free from the stigma and discrimination that is ever-present across the Lesotho. Baylor and Sentabale staffs collaborate to create and deliver age and gender appropriate lesson on issues related to HIV/AIDS, general health, communication, decision-making, relationships, etc. Sessions, which are facilitated by highly motivated and well-trained host country nationals, are usually accompanied by a variety of games that foster an open dialogue concerning the topic at hand. Because of the economic depravity experienced by most of the children’s families, Baylor and Sentabale also provide transportation costs and a hot, hearty meal.

Once a year, Baylor reserves two Saturdays to devote to Caregiver Day, a time in which children in Teen Club can invite their parents and/or caregivers to the Clinic to participate in a day-long workshop pertaining to a pre-determined topic. My roommate Whitney, who will be completing her Princeton in Africa Fellowship within the next week, took charge of this year’s Caregiver Day. Because of her keen interest in gender issues, women’s right, and abuse she decided implement the topic at the event.

Whitney and the Sentabale counselors created scenarios and key messages for the children, while I assumed a different role with the social workers. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, an enormous aspect of my job involves capacity building at the local level. With this in mind, I created reading materials, lectured to the social workers, and administered a quiz on neglect and emotional, physical, and sexual abuses. By the end of our “mini-course”, the social workers learned definitions, recited relevant laws, recognized physical, behavioral, and psychological signs of abused/neglected children and abusive/neglectful caretakers, identified local resources for dealing with such issues, and performed marvelously on a challenging test. From my crafted materials and the trainings, the social workers in turn developed a 2 hour interactive PowerPoint session to present to the Caregivers at the event. They included explicit pictures and were thoroughly prepared to discuss even the most sensitive of topics.

Not surprisingly, the most rewarding aspect for all involved was the willingness of Basotho staff and attendees to push through issues that are generally considered taboo and talk about them openly and honestly. Children shared their personal stories, adults reflected and assessed their own behavior, and in time intergenerational discussions arose that attested to the success of Caregiver Day. While the event by no means solves the issues faced here and across the world, we did plant a seed of change. One step at a time.

(Awesome kiddo, all bundled up Basotho-Style)

(Who Doesn't Love a Visitor? PC Medical Officer, Megan, Ntoli from Sentabale, and PC-Lesotho Country Director Kathy)

(Our Fearless Teen Club and CAMP Leaders- Ntoli, roommate Whitney, Pista)

(Aaron: Professional Toilet Paper Roller)

(Caregivers at Neglect and Abuse Lecture)

(Stretch, Jump, Dance, & Mingle- Morning Exercises with Teen Club Kids and their Caregivers)

(Did Someone Say 'World Cup 2010?')

(Social Worker Discussing Sexual Abuse with the Caregivers)

(Free Time with the Fellas!)