STEPPING STONES...

Last week, Lucille, Erin, Kelley, Yin and I traveled to Stepping Stones International, an innovative after school program in Mochudi dedicated to youth ages 12-18 left orphaned or vulnerable by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Botswana. The program seeks to support, nurture and motivate these adolescents and empower them to become successful leaders. Through job and life skills training, study skills building, psychosocial support, income generating projects, and arts activities Stepping Stones sure keeps their adolescents busy!

After receiving an informative tour by the Peace Corps Volunteer, Tish, we spent some time chatting with the youth and helping with homework assignments. Later, we joined the group for some of the most energetic and heartfelt cheering I had ever experienced. With the captivating and entertaining Teen Program Leader's direction, it would be hard for anyone to lose interest!

Next, the youth were split into several groups for a special gardening project led by Tish. Effortlessly, the youth embraced us, and together we planted rape (a delicious green vegetable similar to swiss chard), carrots, radish and other vegetables. In previous weeks, Tish provided education on agriculture and growing produce, and helped the students prepare their new garden. This garden project was initiated through the generous donation of Barclays Bank of Botswana with the intention to teach the youth how to plant, grow and market organic vegetables in the community.

MOCHUDI TEEN CLUB

A couple of days later, Kaitlyn, Roberta (a fabulous nutrition student from the University of British Columbia) and I returned to Stepping Stones for their monthly Saturday Teen Club. Teen Club is a peer support group intervention for HIV-positive adolescents operating in Mochudi as well as a number of other sites throughout Botswana. In Botswana, the number of adolescents on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ARVs) is rapidly increasing. Records indicate that more than 1,400 teens are currently enrolled in the Botswana government's ARV program. As the population ages, the number of Batswana teenagers on ARVs will significantly increase, which is related to the increasing number of infants who are born with HIV. Although the focus of some day care centers and orphanages in Botswana is on pre-school aged orphaned and vulnerable children, resources for teenagers are seemingly scarce. HIV-positive teenagers need the social support, education and care from a program specifically targeting the needs of this population in order to promote successful transitions into adulthood. Thus, the Teen Clubs in Botswana were developed to provide a welcoming and nurturing environment for HIV-positive adolescents where they can build strong relationships, improve self-esteem and learn positive habits.

After just a few moments standing among the large circle of teens at the Mochudi Teen Club, it became clear that this was much more than simply a support group or typical Saturday afternoon activity. During the initial ice-breaker, the teen leaders instructed each of the teens and volunteers to introduce themselves and to describe one thing that made them happy that day. From the teens' responses it was evident that the group members treasure this monthly event and have developed deep bonds with their Teen Club peers.  Research indicates that for adolescents, interacting with others in similar situations may assuage their sense of alienation and resentment; thus, the social aspect of the Teen Club alone must be immensely beneficial.

The joy and energy exuding from the teens during the activities throughout the morning permeated the entire room and I felt chills throughout my body. The faces of the teens were ebullient as they cheered and danced together following the lead of two incredibly charismatic, energetic and vocal teen leaders. To me, the cheers represented positivity, hopefulness and unity in fighting for a better future.

Following the physical activities and cheers, the teens were divided into four large groups in order to engage in a brainstorming session. Throughout the morning they were asked to develop and share ideas to improve their Teen Club; to discuss how to handle difficult emotions in a beneficial manner; and to determine what educational topics to address in future Teen Club meetings. My participation in one of the groups was quite eye-opening. Firstly, it was clear how instrumental the Teen Club has been for many of the teens. One teen, for example, described her traumatic past and credited the Teen Club as having changed her life. Secondly, I was also struck by the teens' degree of seriousness and commitment. Rather than prioritize leisure or entertainment topics, the teens described their need for information on ARV medications as well as their desire to discuss issues related to romantic relationships.

After the morning of brainstorming and planning, Tish led an outstanding nutrition education activity for the teens which was innovative, interactive and fun. Roberta, Kaitlyn and I integrated a bit of education on food groups, vitamins, and digestion which we hope was informative. We thank the teen leaders who translated for us so patiently!

Overall, I was incredibly impressed by the Stepping Stones organization and the Teen Center. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in such unique activities and to connect to both the teenagers and staff members. I was deeply touched my experiences and will always remember the room full of energetic cheering and the fortitude of the teens who shared their stories with us.         
-Leigh