UNGWERU………………………………………………………………………………..
To : The Technical Advisor, Ungweru.
From: Alexander G. Mwale (Social Worker-M), Ungweru.
Cc : The Board Chairperson, Ungweru.
Cc : The Chairperson of Trustees, Ungweru.
Date: 14th of May, 2010.
1.0. ACTIVITY REPORT FOR WEEK TWELVE OF FIELD PLACEMENT
The activities that are carried in this report include dialogue, monitoring, supervision, facilitation and other administrative engagement. They are as follows:
1.1.MONDAY THE 10th OF MAY 2010.
The main activity of the day was a trip to Chitatata Widows and Orphan Care. The purpose of the visit was to have a dialogue with the group in several areas of which are as follows:
1.1.1.Early Childhood Development.
In my previous CBCC monitoring I found the centre closed with few children and no caregiver or any adult around. I wanted to learn from them what happened. The group seemed not to be aware of the incident. They ended up pushing the blame on caregivers that they are not doing their work. I thought this was not a good approach in coming up with good solutions.Regarding that everybody has a role to play as far as CBCC running is concerned, I reminded them on what I briefed them regarding their role at the centre.
1.1.2.Running of the group.
I encouraged the group to put more effort in working as group thus team work which centers on communication, transparency, accountability and taking responsibility for group activity and its advancement.
1.1.3.Constitution.
I relayed part of the information regarding their constitution and the areas which need attention, its implications on the group and the action they need to take thus reviewing their constitution.
Some of the issues included lack of explanation on disposal of assets the group is accumulating, sharing of benefits, and the issue of closing their membership to the new ones interested against their age thus most of the members may not meet the physiologicaldemands the group membership require. Another question is about their target group which includes OVC who will be there forever. Barring new members may mean closing down the group when age has completely caught with them. This was presented as food for thoughtthe final decision will be made by the group as to what to remove, revise and add to their constitution.
1.1.4.Message form Betty
I also relayed the message from Betty regarding the sewing machines that they should identify someone who can repair them. The costs of the repairs will not be a responsibility of the Group.
1.2.TUESDAY THE 11th OF MAY 2010.
There were three scheduled trips on this day. The first was to Temwanani CBCC, secondly to Chitatata and lastly to Thandazga CBO.
1.2.1. Temwanani CBCC Visit.
It was done in conjunction with Betty. There were two purposes; the first one was to monitor the progress registered from the time I held a discussion with the caregivers regarding the need to change and start some things that will contribute to making the centre child friendly.
It was observed that there was some progress. For instance, they have made name tags for children, making of materials using locally materials to use when interacting with children like charts and pictures of common animals.
Secondly, was to link Betty to the group for more cooperation, the role she would like to play and reminding them about the remaining time of my stay at Ungweru as part of exit strategy otherwise professionally known as termination of relationship/contract.
It was done successfully and Betty had time with children of which I am sure she had her own observations which she can work with the caregivers to improve the situation. It would also be important to move at the groups pace which may do more good than rushing the process. How small it may be, change is usually resisted until trust is built and benefits realized hence patience isnecessary.
1.2.2. Chitatata CBCC visit
This was a monitoring visit to see how the few knowledge and skills they acquired during the ECD training is applied. I met the two caregivers so that I learn how they are fairing in their day to day activities at the centre.
Nothing was observed as evidence of how they are applying the skills. Instead it was the usual blame game as they shifted the blame to the main committee. To avoid unnecessary issues I emphasized on what they are supposed to do as caregivers independent of the role of the main committee. They claimed that they have made play materials but due to safety concerns they left them at their homes. The claim lacked some logic as other structures at the centre where they can keep the play materials have lockable doors. We discussed and reached at a consensus that it is a good idea to keep the materials in one of the safe rooms so that they are made available for children’s use.
1.2.3. THANDAZGA CBO
The purpose of the visit was to train the CBO members including CBCC caregivers in HIV and AIDS. The training as usual was done upon the group’s request with the purpose of equipping the entire CBO with correct knowledge in HIV and AIDS so that itis successfully mainstreamed in their organisation activities.
The approach was participatory and the topics covered were as follows:
- Basic facts and nature of HIV and AIDS.
- Understanding HIV and AIDS prevention.
- HIV Testing.
- HIV and AIDS treatment therapy in Malawi.
- HIV and AIDS care and support with emphasis on support networks.
- Structure of CBO and roles with an emphasis on CHBC and ASG (How they differ in roles).
- Stigma, discrimination and HIV and AIDS.
- Positive Living.
This is one of the trainings that participants participated highly. Contributions were rich should the discussion be translated to action there is hope that ASG and HBC will be revamped.
1.2.4. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The group continues to implement what they indicated in their action plan, as of this day they had dug a pit for the latrine, brought bricks on the sight and added two pits of sand. It was also impressive to see how the caregivers and the community are working together to develop learning and teaching materials.
1.3. WEDNESDAY THE 12th TO SATURDAY THE 15th OF MAY, 2010.
Wednesday and Thursday was for office work. On Friday, I attended a meeting organized by Ungweru with the block leaders regarding the land Ungweru has acquire and its development.
On Saturday morning, I joined other Ungweru staff in welcoming the Irish senator to Ungweru.
ALEXANDER’S WORK PLAN FOR WEEK 13 OF PLACEMENT(17_21 MAY, 2010)No / Activity/purpose / Place / Date / Time / Remarks
1 /
- Evaluating what we have accomplished together and Official termination of professional relationship.
-Chitatata Widows Group. / 17/05/10 / 14:30
16:00
2 /
- Facilitation/orienting the newly formed CBCC Management Committee.
3 /
- Office Work
4 /
- Office Work
5 /
- Evaluating what we have accomplished together and Official termination of professional relationship.