The October Team Return to the UK from Namibia

In November six volunteers, trained by Planet Aid UK, returned to the UK after six months working in Africa.

In November six volunteers, trained by Planet Aid UK, returned to the UK after six months working in  Africa.

Most of them have been involved in DAPP Namibia’s HIV/AIDS prevention programme TCE (Total Control of the Epidemic), a programme designed by Humana People to People and implemented by member organisations in Southern Africa, India and China. So far 9 million people have been reached by TCE and there is no doubt  that it is working!

Here is what Milda & Kata had to say about their ‘Experiences in Africa’:

“Having spent six months in the UK preparing for my trip, I finally left for Namibia in January 2009. At the start of my six month placement I found that Africa was very different to what I’d imagined, and found it difficult to  adapt to my new surroundings at first. Whilst in Namibia I was involved in the TCE project, whose main objectives are the education and mobilisation of people to get HIV/AIDS testing, as well as the creation of support groups. Initially I was involved in all activities of the project including visiting schools, and teaching children the basic facts of HIV/AIDS, as well talking about teenage problems such as drugs and alcohol. I was also actively involved in field visits and support group training. All meetings began with songs and, initially, I felt very reluctant to join in. However, after a while, I was dancing and singing with them and it felt very natural. The six months that I spent in Namibia were a great experience for me,  and  helped broaden my mind and to appreciate things much more”.   Milda.

“I am very proud that I was part of the TCE project and to think that I added something to it. I had a nice six months in Namibia and, despite some difficult times, learnt so much and have a lot of good memories. I met some humble and hard-working people who manage with so little, and found out that it is difficult to help those who don’t want change. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to have these unforgettable experiences”.   Kata.