Rokpa UK Newsletter Spring 2006
Training 12 helps 100 in Zimbabwe
Rokpa Zimbabwe is currently promoting a program called "Talk Time" to change people's attitudes to HIV/AIDs. The greatest problem is that people do not want to admit that they may have the disease, or that it exists in their community. "Talk Time" is designed to deal with the ignorance and fear that is the greatest obstacle to accepting the help that is being offered. Guided by a trained facilitator, groups discuss and decide how best to protect themselves and their families. The long term success of the project depends on the training of facilitators who then hold "Talk Time" sessions in their own communities.
Sibongile finished the course and this is what she wrote:
"I am a 40 year old widow and my four children and I are homeless. One child is very sick as am I. I was shocked to discover I was HIV+. I cried everyday and worried about the future of my children. My family do not want to associate with me and even accused me of killing my husband. I was like someone with leprosy.
I would like to thank Rokpa for their unfailing support. Rokpa helped me when I was enrolled in Talk Time. This gave me support and courage to live."
Many of those attending the program go on to train as facilitators. With each group of 12 newly trained facilitators able to help more than 100 others, the benefits of Talk Time are already beginning to multiply.
The costs of each day's training and follow up is £20.
In addition to providing community support, Rokpa Zimbabwe also provides medicines, food and training
Permaculture training helps people grow food more efficiently and with less effort. It is costing £45 to train 20 people.
Food Distribution. It costs approximately £19 to feed one family for one week.
ROKPA UK Overseas Projects
Kagyu Samye Ling, Eskdalemuir, Langholm, Dumfriesshire DG13 0QL
Telephone: 013873 73232 Ext: 3
Fax: 013873 73223
email: charity@RokpaUK.org
ROKPA Trust Reg. Charity No: 1059293
