Shots and Life Skills

So I came over from Skagway last night to go to the doctor in Haines to talk about shots and things. The lonely planet book suggested a whole list but the Center of Disease Control had a shorter list. I decided to combine the two and compare what the doc would have at my appointment, because that is what I was told when I made the appointment. Turns out they only carried the tetanus shot and I either have to go to Juneau for all the other ones (it looks like just Typhoid now) or I can call somewhere and they can fly them up and have them administered by a health professional. So much for a quick, easy appointment!

I touched bases with Shishya and it has been monsoon season where they are. There has been lots of rain and high humidity. The school was nearly flooded out. The school and houses on the campus are leaking badly and the founders house has water about 8 inches deep right up to the front door. The driveway and road are complete ponds. They even found live fish in the soccer field.

I wrote Shishya asking what I will be doing over there exactly for their school and children's home. There is so much information on their website I was curious as to what I would be doing. With my school counseling desire and interests, the Life Skills Program they have caught my eye. The program purpose is to empower students to make value based choices. The curriculum covers an array of issues; from relationships, choices, self esteem, feelings and sexual health. The purpose of the course is self empowerment of students to make value based choices in life. Facilitators build relationship with students through modeling love and care. Students are hurting and in different areas of life, there is big confusion, huge misconceptions and distorted perspectives when it comes to making choices.

The Lifeskills facilitators, which I'll hopefully be doing, are also trained in non directive counseling. As they build relationships and trust with the students, many choose to share their personal struggles. There is a need for student friendly and approachable people from whom students can seek counseling during tough times. Ideally parents should be the ones. But since parents in this culture don't see its relevance, young people often don't get the help that they need. The facilitators, through teaching in class, are able to build credibility and trust. The facilitators spend a large amount of time 'hanging out' in the fields during the breaks and the staff room during free periods, making their availability known to the students. The load of counseling is huge. More and more students (thankfully!) are choosing to talk! This whole thing is SO up my alley!

Frieda asked if I would be willing to teach 6th graders the lessons but also work on contributing to the curriculum that is already in place. I told her I have only done a few lesson plans in my day and I don't have any experience writing a curriculum. None the less I was so happy she asked and I CANNOT wait to contribute. I look forward to doing a little bit of research to help out. For my counseling, education, social work buddies who are reading this--if you have any suggestions or ideas please let me know!!