Eighth Day - Aids Workshop - Canada Day Party

Wednesday, July 24^th. EIGHTH DAY – AIDS WORKSHOP – CANADA DAY PARTY

Today we had a different agenda for the students. They were put back in their three groups and rotated through the workshops. I was doing HIV/AIDS and water borne diseases with Raquel; George and another lady were doing gender equity and Irnice did how to run a workshop for other teachers when the participants get back to their schools. They all went very well, the participants seemed to really enjoy them and were very involved. Lots of good info about AIDS and lots of great questions. One man believes it is a conspiracy by the white man to get rid of the black. There was some ignorance but most people seemed to know the issues.

After the classes Oswald drove us in his van to the school where he is principal. He opened up some classes so we could see what a typical elementary school looks like. It was pretty sad and bleak. The rooms were full of ancient furniture, the walls were bare and the staffroom was a disaster. We had wanted to see one since we arrived, so we were happy. He also took us by a natural spring “spa” that was just a hose that had fizzy water coming out of it from the mountains above.

Then we went to two grocery stores in a vain attempt to find ice, but we bought a couple of last minute things for our big night. When we got home Ken was sweeping up the place and he helped us get set up for the party. We had invited all the union executive and the co-tutors over for a social. We hired Ken for $300 EC to entertain us with his son singing while he played pan steel drum to pre-recorded tracks. We asked people for seven but no one came before eight. However, they did all come except for Vibert and the course director Jimmy.  Jane got George up dancing and then Wendy got me up. I had had a couple of beers and actually found the beat simple to follow. So I went into my room and put on my Canada shirt, sunglasses and Canada flag ears headband. I looked ridiculous but they all seemed to enjoy it and it knocked the fun level up a bit. We partied until 11:00 and by the time we cleaned up it was midnight. I did not sleep well as I had really itchy mosquito bites.