Updates!

I have finally discovered how to feel busy in Nicaragua…just start applying to grad schools. It seems I never quite have enough internet time to get all the necessary school research done. I am currently looking into programs for Public Health or Public Health Policy (if anyone knows people in these fields or has any advice, please please please let me know). I am not completely sold on grad school; I’m still keeping the option open of working for a bit before more schooling.

"Pigs" in a small skit I helped with

I am also finding a lot more opportunities for working. It is nice having a work related activity or meeting just about every day. Recently I have been focusing on sex education. Since MINSA (the Health Ministry of Nicaragua) is instituting mandatory sex education in the schools I have been designing a series of classes that I hope to teach the teachers to give. The hardest part with that will be helping them overcome their embarrassment in talking about topics surrounding sex. I also have been giving a lot more HIV/AIDS sessions. I had a really successful workshop with the brigadistas (local health volunteers) in June and July discussing how we can prevent the appearance of HIV in Morrito. We stressed condom use and behavior change when it comes to choosing your partner and remaining faithful. I must say, it is a bit entertaining to watch an older very rural man giggle his way through a condom demonstration. It was very encouraging to see how interested the brigadistas were and how excited they were to work with their communities on the education about and prevention of HIV. They have also all invited me to come out to their communities to work with the youth. I hope I can find time for that.

HIV training on a scenic little island

My youth groups went through a bit of a lull during the months of May and June. But have started to pick up. With my older youth group, we are now planning to present a play on HIV and 2 shorter skits that revolve around the work of Nicaraguan poet, Ruben Dario. My younger youth group is working on a theatre competition that will take place in the month of August. Three groups will compete and will present short skits on HIV/AIDS, family abuse and personal hygiene. The groups are writing and preparing their own skits…fingers crossed that it all works out. The winner will win a nice trophy my parents brought down to me when they visited. (More on their visit in my next post, which will be soon, I promise!!)

Some of my youth group girls after an HIV class that they gave

So, life is moving along quite nicely down here. I am enjoying my work, making connections and finding some time to have fun with my Peace Corps friends. It is really hard to believe that I only have 8 months left. That is more than enough time for any of you all to come and visit!!