We have been so fortunate to meet so many people who are willing to share stories from their lives with us while we are here in Brazil. Yesterday we met the staff at GAPA-Bahia (AIDS Prevention and Assistance Group of Bahia), a local NGO in Salvador that provides support for children and their families who are living with HIV/AIDS. This NGO, which is supported by UNICEF, provides critical psychosocial support to children beyond the medical treatment. Here we met children ages 6 to 12 in a play room at the center. They come here to play games and tell stories that help them express themselves and discuss themes in their everyday lives. The children were clearly enjoying themselves in the play room judging from the shrieks of laughter and other noises coming from the room during our meeting! We had the chance to meet some of them and talk with them in the play room - a great experience for both of us.
After our visit and some minor delays, we arrived safely in Rio de Janeiro last night. We are off this morning to meet students at a local school. I will try to write again this evening and post more photos from our visits.
KM
Comments (1)
Hi,
Your trip to Brazil sounds great. UNICEF's psychosocial work sounds very interesting. I'd like to hear more about how sharing their life stories helps kids feel better.
I can't wait to see your pictures.
Posted by Chris | November 8, 2007 6:12 PM
Posted on November 8, 2007 18:12