Half way in

This week has gone really quickly. The training at Chainama, both Hospital staff and College students are warming up, as is the weather! Actually we had some heavy rain, briefly yesterday evening which felt really good.

On Monday we held a Taster session for the Kaynama MHUNZA group and staff from the Hospital there. Though not as many people turned up as we had hoped it was really interesting and got positive responses. sadly the follow up session planned for Friday - where more people were coming was cancelled at the last minute because there was no power or water at the hospital. The plan is to reschedule for when I am back from Livingstone.

We are having half way catch ups with the trainee trainers, both stages 1 and 2. As we are trialling this training model their feedback is really important and has been helpful in developing the monitoring structures.

In the training the use of clay always sparks things off and we have seen it used in many different ways by trainees and patients. The nonverbal communication exercise always causes a lot of laughter as well as reflection.

On Thursday we got a lift with Heidrun and Felistus to the First Night concert of the Lusaka Proms Festival, "Night on Broadway". Some amazing voices and jazz musicians - a wonderful evening.

In the house next to us here at the moment is a group from Western Province, Liangati Mubula Project, who are trying out making products, jams etc from fruits from their region. Their plan is to try them out around town at the end of the week. I was allowed to taste one of the jams - it was delicious. Watch this space - good things to come!

All in all a mixed but busy week!

Author: Joanna