It’s been quite a while since the last time I blogged, but I have been extremely busy getting acclimated to the climate that I’ve been placed in for the next two years. To be perfectly honest, I wasextremely worried about my service after realizing that weeks had gone by and I continued to be handed more paperwork and less opportunity to go out into the field and begin service. I decided to bring this observation to the attention of my supervisor and was quickly granted the access that I needed in order for both parties, (myself and the NGO) to benefit.
Currently, I am responsible for the project management of a program that provides group therapy to 100 Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC). The program consist of 10 Caregivers ( each responsible for 10 children) mentoring children at school as well as at home. Caregivers discuss with the participants, information that will lead to healthier lifestyles . My duties consist of regular monthly visit, managing the budget and designing and implementing special projects. In the upcoming weeks, I am planning a two day event to celebrate the end of the program's first year. I’ve organized activities to provide exciting ways for the children to reflect and have invited a storytelling that will be telling fables about peer pressure, poverty, living with HIV and other health related issues. In addition, there will be face painting (guess who’s going to paint those doll faces) and the day will conclude with recreational time and an opportunity for the children to give feedback on their experience within the program and suggestions on how I can improve their experience for the upcoming year.
Yes, I know, I resigned from one rat race to join another...and no the experience is much different from my career in the States but equally as challenging! I guess, in some strange off-beat way, I enjoy the stress of project management! Yes, I said it!
I must get back to work - and will do my best to blog more often. I received a few threatening emails so I suppose I better manage this forum a little better or something bad might happen...lol
Ciao!
Nisah
