Présentée et soutenu publiquement le 24/12/2009. Dans le cadre de l’obtention du titre de Docteur en Pharmacie 

 

La consommation de stimulants type amphétamine en Tunisie n'a pas encore fait l'objet de recherche systématique. En l'absence de données globales nationales, nous avons voulu contribuer à l’évaluation de la situation en Tunisie par la réalisation d’une étude exploratoire dans la région du Centre Tunisien.

 

•  Partie pratique

Dans ce volet, nous avons présenté une étude exploratoire de la consommation d’ecstasy dans la région du Centre Tunisien. Huit jeunes hommes et une jeune fille ont acceptés de répondre à un questionnaire sociodémographique, suivi d’une interview semi dirigée pour répondre à quatre thématiques principales, à savoir : l’initiation, l’évolution de la consommation, la perception de la consommation de l’ecstasy et finalement l’effet de l’ecstasy sur la sexualité. 

• Réduction des risques :

Concernant la prévention de la consommation et la réduction des risques, nous pouvons rapporter quelques actions préventives utilisés ou recommandées par les consommateurs :

1. Boire beaucoup d’eau.
2. Ne pas consomme plus que deux comprimés.
3. Ne pas associer avec l’alcool.
4. Gouter le comprimer
5. Acheter chez un dealeur connu.
6. Bien contrôler l’aspect extérieure (logo, fabrication, défaut de forme..).
7. Utilisé un test de MDMA.
8.  Laisser le comprimer fondre sous la langue au lieu de l’avaler ou le sucer.
9. Les actions de réductions des risques peuvent être réalisées en groupe et elles consistent à : superviser les membres d’un même groupe, rechercher les personnes manquante, établir des limites de consommation, ne jamais laisser des personnes seules, ne pas fournir d’ecstasy aux personnes déjà fatigués, se rappeler mutuellement à toujours boire beaucoup d’eau, informer les autres si on quitte le groupe, désigner le conducteur du retour avant le début de soirée.
10. Les Dealeur sont un canal pour les conseils et les recommandations de réduction des risques.

 

Quelques consommateurs ne voient pas l’intérêt d’actions préventives car  malheureusement l’ecstasy est encor perçu comme une drogue sans danger.

 

- Pour plus d’information ou pour recevoir une copie complète de la thèse n’hésitez pas a me contacter : info@nchemli.org

 

Certains cousent, d’autres emballent, d’autres préparent les identifiants pour les tentes. Ils sont une centaine de jeunes à être mobilisés par le Fonds des Nations Unies pour la Population (UNFPA) pour l’assemblage de tentes, d’articles d’hygiène et de santé de la reproduction destinés aux personnes affectées par le séisme du 12 janvier 2010.

 

Nous sommes dans l’enceinte d’un entrepôt situé dans la zone de l’aéroport de Port-au-Prince.

Un groupe assemble tandis qu’un autre participe à une séance de formation sur la prévention des comportements à risque, sous une forme interactive et divertissante.

Ici des jeunes dessinent et décrivent les organes génitaux masculin et féminin. La discussion est aussitôt engagée. Dans la foulée, ils se familiarisent avec la dimension Genre et les différences entre ce concept et le sexe.

Ils apprennent tout en rigolant, comme par exemple ici où le groupe tangue alors que le formateur, Nabil Chemli, dévoile ses talents de danseur et de chanteur.

Les jeunes prennent part à la formation de manière rotative, par groupe de 25. Pendant que le quart de l’effectif suit la formation, les 75 autres jeunes assemblent les tentes et autres articles. Au bout des quatre séances de deux heures prévues, les attentes de tout un chacun auront été comblées.

Assemblage, travaux de groupes, dessins, échanges, danses, quiz : voilà donc le menu de journées qui s’égrènent sans que les participants emballées ne se rendent compte.

Pour la première journée de lundi, les jeunes ont eu droit notamment à des sessions sur les droits humains, la violence basée sur le genre et le VIH/SIDA.

L’UNFPA estime que, aux termes de cette formation, ces jeunes seront mieux sensibilisés à ces questions et également mieux préparés à participer aux efforts déployés pour la reconstruction.

L’UNFPA donnera à ces jeunes des frais et un certificat qui pourra valoriser leur CV et faciliter leur insertion professionnelle.

Sur les 3 millions de personnes touchées par le séisme du 12 janvier, 750 000 sont des femmes et jeunes filles en âge de procréer, estime le Fonds des Nations Unies pour la Population. L’UNFPA a ainsi fourni, à travers ses partenaires, des tentes à l’intention notamment des femmes enceintes dans les camps.

Par ailleurs, les kits dénommés “Dignité” - que l’UNFPA fournit aux personnes déplacées - sont particulièrement demandés. Ils contiennent entre autres des serviettes sanitaires (ou hygiéniques), du savon antibactérien et plusieurs autres articles d’hygiène et de nettoyage qui permettent aux femmes de vivre dans la dignité, même dans des circonstances les plus difficiles.

Par : Vario Sérant, conseiller en communication et plaidoyer de l’UNFPA/HAITICertains cousent, d’autres emballent, d’autres préparent les identifiants pour les tentes. Ils sont une centaine de jeunes à être mobilisés par le Fonds des Nations Unies pour la Population (UNFPA) pour l’assemblage de tentes, d’articles d’hygiène et de santé de la reproduction destinés aux personnes affectées par le séisme du 12 janvier 2010.

 

Nous sommes dans l’enceinte d’un entrepôt situé dans la zone de l’aéroport de Port-au-Prince.

Un groupe assemble tandis qu’un autre participe à une séance de formation sur la prévention des comportements à risque, sous une forme interactive et divertissante.

Ici des jeunes dessinent et décrivent les organes génitaux masculin et féminin. La discussion est aussitôt engagée. Dans la foulée, ils se familiarisent avec la dimension Genre et les différences entre ce concept et le sexe.

Ils apprennent tout en rigolant, comme par exemple ici où le groupe tangue alors que le formateur, Nabil Chemli, dévoile ses talents de danseur et de chanteur.

Les jeunes prennent part à la formation de manière rotative, par groupe de 25. Pendant que le quart de l’effectif suit la formation, les 75 autres jeunes assemblent les tentes et autres articles. Au bout des quatre séances de deux heures prévues, les attentes de tout un chacun auront été comblées.

Assemblage, travaux de groupes, dessins, échanges, danses, quiz : voilà donc le menu de journées qui s’égrènent sans que les participants emballées ne se rendent compte.

Pour la première journée de lundi, les jeunes ont eu droit notamment à des sessions sur les droits humains, la violence basée sur le genre et le VIH/SIDA.

L’UNFPA estime que, aux termes de cette formation, ces jeunes seront mieux sensibilisés à ces questions et également mieux préparés à participer aux efforts déployés pour la reconstruction.

L’UNFPA donnera à ces jeunes des frais et un certificat qui pourra valoriser leur CV et faciliter leur insertion professionnelle.

Sur les 3 millions de personnes touchées par le séisme du 12 janvier, 750 000 sont des femmes et jeunes filles en âge de procréer, estime le Fonds des Nations Unies pour la Population. L’UNFPA a ainsi fourni, à travers ses partenaires, des tentes à l’intention notamment des femmes enceintes dans les camps.

Par ailleurs, les kits dénommés “Dignité” - que l’UNFPA fournit aux personnes déplacées - sont particulièrement demandés. Ils contiennent entre autres des serviettes sanitaires (ou hygiéniques), du savon antibactérien et plusieurs autres articles d’hygiène et de nettoyage qui permettent aux femmes de vivre dans la dignité, même dans des circonstances les plus difficiles.

Par : Vario Sérant, conseiller en communication et plaidoyer de l’UNFPA/HAITI

 

HAITI / CHOLÉRA : RÉPONSE HUMANITAIRE DE L'UNFPA

Pour voir la video

L'UNFPA HAITI AIDE À PRÉVENIR LE CHOLÉRA CHEZ LES PERSONNES VIVANT AVEC LE VIH/SIDA

Pour voir la  video

Each time I attend a gathering with fellow Young Global Leaders, I can't help but feel like I am in a scene of one of those Superhero movies, where they bring together individuals with special powers and abilities who, together, join forces for a better world.

Here we are together in our group photo, wearing brightly coloured t-shirts that we were provided based on random selection. In our small groups, we had reflective discussion circles and were also given a unique martial arts lesson where we learned the power of a soft and open hand.

This year was especially unique, as I had a lot to share with the group in my role as a newly designated YGL Alumni! On our first day together, I was asked to speak and close a session on mentorship and how to gain the most from the YGL experience. My key message was about the importance of contribution to the community, and how we need to both be generous, while also being open to the generosity of others.

Our program also included an interactive dramatic arts presentation and workshop, where teams were challenged to address a conflict from the perspective of one of the characters.

Our Purple Group explored the character of a woman who was living alone in the United States, child and parents in Eastern Europe, and working without a legitimate visa. She was contemplating employment options and in a moment of deep isolation and rejection.

Our task was to create a series of three freeze-frame snapshots, illustrating the problem, solution, and the process to getting there. Here we see a woman who is faced with rejection, yet looking at an offer that would likely compromise her values and integrity.

What was fun about this excersize was the immediate bonding and team-building that took place in the process. It was also interesting to observe how other groups interpreted the challenges of the various other characters in the skit.

A critical milestone for me in Dalian was having an opportunity to showcase the Youth Effect publication, created by 21 Young Global Leaders since Davos 2010. This book and blog (www.youtheffect.org), is aimed at supporting decision-makers at more effectively engaging youth. The Youth Effect played an instrumental role in supporting World Economic Forum founder Professor Klaus Schwab in creating Global Shapers, a new community within the World Economic Forum to engage youth in their 20s. The Global Shapers are based in over 100 cities, as part of local hubs that are recruited through YGL curators.

While making a short presentation to our group about the importance of engaging youth, I could not help but feel as though I was part of an important milestone in history, as I truly believe that many other institutions will follow the lead of the World Economic Forum, prioritizing their own youth engagement strategies. I look forward to keeping track of this evolution and would also like to thank YGL supporters as well as one of my mentors, Kim Samuel-Johnson, who played an instrumental role in championing our effort.

Collaborating with fellow Young Global Leaders throughout the year contributes to growing excitement for the times when we come together in person. Over the past year, I've been working very actively as the Country Chair for Global Dignity Day in Canada. During our group session, we had a chance to encourage many others to facilitate the Dignity Day lesson plan in as many classrooms as possible on October 20th. In Canada, we have incorporated the Dignity principles as part of TakingITGlobal's national Defining Moments program. We have also registered over 56 people, including 30 schools, and expect to reach over 5,000 students this year.

We will be conducting a live video conference as part of our Canadian activities, in partnership with the Centre for Global Education, based in Edmonton, Alberta.

An unexpected surprise was being invited to co-facilitate a session on Managing Hyperconnectivity. I chose the breakout group on health and our discussions looked both at the issues of global pandemics and mental health. We imagined future scenarios where a new immunity drug could be created to protect people from any kind of virus, building a stronger resiliency to disease. We also spoke about how Social Media and digital connectivity can often leave people feeling a strong sense of isolation - or addiction to instant feedback and response. The emergence of the "hive brain" could result in a loss of individuality, memory and creativity while increasing stress and anxiety.  That said, the benefits could lead to greater efficiency, empathy and less reliance on central government control.  It was rewarding for me to be part of such a vibrant debate that allowed us to take a deeper look at the implications of hyperconnectivity on health.  Overall, I believe it is critical that we do not allow ourselves to lose our sense of self, in the midst of the non-stop stimulation and interactions our digital worlds provide access to.   

[breathe]

The theme of technology carried forward on the last day of the Annual Meeting of New Champions, where I joined the closing plenary session entitled "Mastering Quality Growth: Passing the Test of Technology". My session was moderated by Nik Gowling from the BBC, who offered us punchy questions with a great flow, allowing us to discuss how to foster new innovations, managing risks, privacy implications, and the evolution of cultural norms online.

For a full viewing of our session, you can check it out on YouTube!

Each time I attend a gathering with fellow Young Global Leaders, I can't help but feel like I am in a scene of one of those Superhero movies, where they bring together individuals with special powers and abilities who, together, join forces for a better world.

Here we are together in our group photo, wearing brightly coloured t-shirts that we were provided based on random selection. In our small groups, we had reflective discussion circles and were also given a unique martial arts lesson where we learned the power of a soft and open hand.

This year was especially unique, as I had a lot to share with the group in my role as a newly designated YGL Alumni! On our first day together, I was asked to speak and close a session on mentorship and how to gain the most from the YGL experience. My key message was about the importance of contribution to the community, and how we need to both be generous, while also being open to the generosity of others.

Our program also included an interactive dramatic arts presentation and workshop, where teams were challenged to address a conflict from the perspective of one of the characters.

Our Purple Group explored the character of a woman who was living alone in the United States, child and parents in Eastern Europe, and working without a legitimate visa. She was contemplating employment options and in a moment of deep isolation and rejection.

Our task was to create a series of three freeze-frame snapshots, illustrating the problem, solution, and the process to getting there. Here we see a woman who is faced with rejection, yet looking at an offer that would likely compromise her values and integrity.

What was fun about this excersize was the immediate bonding and team-building that took place in the process. It was also interesting to observe how other groups interpreted the challenges of the various other characters in the skit.

A critical milestone for me in Dalian was having an opportunity to showcase the Youth Effect publication, created by 21 Young Global Leaders since Davos 2010. This book and blog (www.youtheffect.org), is aimed at supporting decision-makers at more effectively engaging youth. The Youth Effect played an instrumental role in supporting World Economic Forum founder Professor Klaus Schwab in creating Global Shapers, a new community within the World Economic Forum to engage youth in their 20s. The Global Shapers are based in over 100 cities, as part of local hubs that are recruited through YGL curators.

While making a short presentation to our group about the importance of engaging youth, I could not help but feel as though I was part of an important milestone in history, as I truly believe that many other institutions will follow the lead of the World Economic Forum, prioritizing their own youth engagement strategies. I look forward to keeping track of this evolution and would also like to thank YGL supporters as well as one of my mentors, Kim Samuel-Johnson, who played an instrumental role in championing our effort.

Collaborating with fellow Young Global Leaders throughout the year contributes to growing excitement for the times when we come together in person. Over the past year, I've been working very actively as the Country Chair for Global Dignity Day in Canada. During our group session, we had a chance to encourage many others to facilitate the Dignity Day lesson plan in as many classrooms as possible on October 20th. In Canada, we have incorporated the Dignity principles as part of TakingITGlobal's national Defining Moments program. We have also registered over 56 people, including 30 schools, and expect to reach over 5,000 students this year.

We will be conducting a live video conference as part of our Canadian activities, in partnership with the Centre for Global Education, based in Edmonton, Alberta.

An unexpected surprise was being invited to co-facilitate a session on Managing Hyperconnectivity. I chose the breakout group on health and our discussions looked both at the issues of global pandemics and mental health. We imagined future scenarios where a new immunity drug could be created to protect people from any kind of virus, building a stronger resiliency to disease. We also spoke about how Social Media and digital connectivity can often leave people feeling a strong sense of isolation - or addiction to instant feedback and response. The emergence of the "hive brain" could result in a loss of individuality, memory and creativity while increasing stress and anxiety.  That said, the benefits could lead to greater efficiency, empathy and less reliance on central government control.  It was rewarding for me to be part of such a vibrant debate that allowed us to take a deeper look at the implications of hyperconnectivity on health.  Overall, I believe it is critical that we do not allow ourselves to lose our sense of self, in the midst of the non-stop stimulation and interactions our digital worlds provide access to.   

[breathe]

The theme of technology carried forward on the last day of the Annual Meeting of New Champions, where I joined the closing plenary session entitled "Mastering Quality Growth: Passing the Test of Technology". My session was moderated by Nik Gowling from the BBC, who offered us punchy questions with a great flow, allowing us to discuss how to foster new innovations, managing risks, privacy implications, and the evolution of cultural norms online.

For a full viewing of our session, you can check it out on YouTube!

Coming back from my usual morning jog and looking forward to a hot cup of coffee when I noticed a young girl standing outside the gate to our house. I ambled up to where she was while wondering what it is she was looking for or selling that early in the morning!

It was 9 year old Esther, a twin and an orphan. Both parents had died some years back from HIV/AIDS. Esther and her twin sister were in the care of grandma in the village close by.

Esther had been one of the 20 orphans selected by the local school to participate in a 12 days, 10th to 22^nd May 2010, S.A.L.T program. The program was co-sponsored by Canadian University students on holiday and Spring of Life. During the period, we sang, did some art work, took instant photographs of ourselves and the community around, flew kites, played soccer, had sewing lessons but the highlights were when we shared our perceptions on care, community, change, leadership and hope at different age levels,at the end of each day. How transfer can be more effective through trust, attitude and presence while using every day things that people are able to respond to and are familiar with.

Ultimately community is based on communication. Communication can be heightened and exciting using sport, art and other activities.

Esther had come to collect her photo and frame. The day we all had collected ours, Esther had gone to the hospital to pick her Anti Retroviral drugs. You should have seen the smile in her eyes as she looked at her photo and frame.

As she turned round the corner, I found myself thanking God for the experience and privilege. I thanked God for the years I had spent in Chikankata where the Home Care concept was first practiced as the option to respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The experience has continued to define my work and responses to personal, community tragedies and/or celebrations. Especially in the area of HIV/AIDS.

It was in the ‘80s when it happened. HIV/AIDS. Mental images linger, of a small group of staff huddled together in prayer after another trip into the community where shock, negative emotions and thoughts were slowly consuming the community. HIV/AIDS was slowly moving everyone from the natural state of faith and hope to that of fear and loss of memories of the way it was. Theirs (the team) was a mission in worship, a genuine resolve to succeed and identify with the community not as providers but facilitators and partners in the search for the inherent responses.

The lessons and outcomes were a miracle. Individuals as well as communities had capacity as well as resilience to respond to trauma because they live believing that, ‘I am because you are’. Given the environment where interaction is based on ‘as human beings’ with whom, my capacities combined with yours do lead to solutions and sustainable development and not pre-established social roles’ which can hinder true dialogue

The outcomes were the realization that we all want to go ‘home’ when in pain and fear where those who love us and we love are! That, some of the traditional and/or cultural beliefs were the reason for our pain i.e. ritual cleansing, polygamy, lack of moral boundaries that protect our rights etc while some were beacons of our strength i.e. extended family and sharing in our sorrows and joys! Defining lessons for the facilitators!

Pain tends to isolate us not only from ourselves but even those around us through our thoughts. Sometimes, hospitals and other care environments do make it hard for us to detach our self from the situation as they emphasize the thought that I am a ‘victim’. A quiet environment where our name is quietly whispered not as a number but as one of us is invaluable as it gives us moments to forget the pain. To receive and allow.

The understanding and use of S.A.L.T as a method does not only encourage participation but promotes spontaneity, lightheartedness and real joy to everyone involved. Authentic relationships become possible because social images disappear. Genuine approaches activate inner resolve to succeed. SALT is more than sympathy and acknowledgement, it goes beyond forums, and it understands the rules and knows the exceptions. Effective facilitation makes everyone feel valued as interaction is based not on content but presence.

The biggest lesson is the opportunity to re-define our realities and the beginning of discovering who we really are!

We did that with the mothers, teachers, students and Orphans for two weeks. Soccer was most interesting at the age of 57(my mother wonders why 22 people can spend all their energies chasing a round rubber thing).

Joy is doing something you love and

have a passion for. It is internal and never external. Something we were created for

Please pass me the S.A.L.T.!

I recently visited with a youth gathering; before the session begun one youth leader passed on a message to another, Leader 11 responded in quite a hostile manner and this spurred some negative response from others. Through stimulating a discussion with leader 11 she has concerns. Her problems stemmed from her childhood

Her story: Her father died, her mother migrated for betterment for her and other siblings. She was 13 years old. She was impregnated by her uncle. Went to court; stop attending to find a job to take care of her siblings and her new born child. She also dropped out of school. She got married; have a 'nice home' but He was a means to an end, she does not love him. She has seen her siblings through school. . She is an unhappy person trying to build a better life in terms of education and skills training. We will be meeting to discuss the Way of Thinking and Working through this.

SALT can be added anywhere. Just recognise the need and apply it.

Today was presented the opportunity for the participants to practice their SALTiness; their ability to apply the process to a community. The group was divided into two groups to work with the two communities that came today for the sessions. there were the parents' group from Youth Challenge Guyana and the HIV peer educators from the Guyana Defence force.



I had the opportunity to sit in with the group working with the peer educators from the army and my impression is that they did a very good job in keeping the community interested. Again i stress that planning goes a far way in ensuring the fluidity of facilitating as a group. i was impressed the skills demonstrated by the facilitating team. Their after session planning yesterday paid off.

I liked how they were able to adapt activities that were done with them putting an interesting twist to it; for example instead of using fruits to associate with their names foods were used instead. I like this twist for participants connected with it. Facilitators the use the famous "are we human?" question which as usual brought out the connection with hopes and concerns. As humans we have hopes and concerns which as individuals we feel not capable to mitigate.It is only when we sit as a group and we hear and understand that others have similiar hopes and concerns that we realize that we are all sailing in the same big ship. It brings about the realization as well that if we work together as a team we can achieve more.

the group then moved into doing dream building with the participants, it was interesting to see the dreams that these that these army personnel had. One of the dreams that stood out to me was one that wanted to do his " masters" however because of the policies and guidelines which governs the army it is harder for him than a civilian. Other dreams were related to the concerns of participants, most persons dreamed of a community where all was perfect, a community that was clean, healthy, self sufficient, impartial and more. It was good to observe how the facilitators were able to work with the group after just two days of exposure to the process. It warms my heart to see the enthusiasm and feel the energy.



Facilitators did an AAR



Lunch

Autry with the help Of Michael did an AAR with the entire group aftet communities would have left. participants were able to reflect on how they worked as a team in applying the SALT process. All in all they had fun accomplishing the task at hand..

I was so excited to see what today would turn out to be. After having so much fun yesterday i was anxious to experience learning in a fun-filled, laughter filled environment. I admit, i feel the love in the room with all the participants being fully involved in the process.

I liked that most participants turned up on time. I could feel the enthusiams in the room, after yesterday people wanted to have more. This is a good thing, we should always have people wanting more, not because we want them to but because they want to. When we facilitate an environment where persons can share and appreciate each other experiences they are inclined to learn and share more.



The day started with Autry doing a weather check. It is always good to do a check how people are feeling before the training. This information in hand helps us to ensure that we do not leave anyone behind. Checking the weather inside also helps persons to reflect on the previous day's activity. In their quiet moments after persons would have gone home they would have done more processing of the information collected during the day. Most persons were ready and anxious to begin the day's activity.



Michael and Tricia introduced self assessment and illustrated the five levels by using healthy eating as an example. People are becoming more aware of healthy eating habits in Guyana so this was a perfect time to illustrate the five levels using the concept of healthy eating. After explaining what the different levels meant, participants were asked in groups of five to identify a level that they were at when it came to healthy eating. persons then had to explain to the rest of participants why they were at that level. What this brings out as well is that as individuals we have different perceptions of where we are and why we are there. Someone may feel that s/he eats healthy because s/he eats vegetarian food compared to someone who eats meats at the same time someone eating meat may think the same of the other person who eats vegetarian foods. I really likes this for it stimulates discussions and creates the foundation for what takes place when self assessment is being done. When doing self assessment as a group, consensus must be had.

Tricia took charge of the next step, having participants go into groups and come up with practices that are necessary to achieve their ideal communities that they dreamt of yesterday. As usual persons actively participated in their groups. This step is vital in ensuring that communities come up with their own practices; elements that they themselves can measure in actualizing their dream community. Participants then returned to present on their practices.

Michael with the help of Korey then did titling, where we the group was asked to identify common practices across the groups. These were then put under a common titles by the participants. It is always a good thing to let the communities come up with the titles. What this does is that through discussion they understand what they mean when they use a specific word. After general titling was done Ruben stepped in to have the group come up with simple definitions for the titles using the simplest of language. Having the the practices defined simply; group was then asked to again link common practices thereby making the list of practices smaller. Again participants found the commonalities and were able to successfully achieve the desired outcome, leaving us with 9 practices which were now defined in simple language.

This aspect of the training has always proven to be the most demanding of all the steps. This was reflected in the after action review. Some persons felt overwhelmed with all the work that was put into achieving the practices.



Lunch was great

After lunch Autry restarted the session, one of the participants did an icebreaker. Ice breakers are always useful just after lunch for this is the time most people suffer from what we call "ethnic fatigue" or as we learnt yesterday "food coma"; this is where people fall asleep during sessions.

Now that we had the 9 practices we were ready to do some self assessment with the group using the practices the group would have come up with. The large group was again broken up into the smaller group who were asked to refine the simple definition of 3 practices into a descriptor of a level five as well as identify what level they would be at for the three practices they would have selected of the 9. Again I loved the participation of group members in their groups in coming up with the descriptors and identifying their level as a group. Groups reconvened and created a river diagram the help of Autry. We will again on Thursday of next do a complete self assessment for the group, today's activity only being an introduction and practice session.

Korey and Coleen took over and divided group into two for salt visits tomorrow. Groups were given time to plan for same, having guidance from facilitators when necessary. What was very inspiring was that even after sessions were finished today, there were some participants who remained to ensure that their preparations for tomorrow was covered.



After action review brought out the fact that participants felt overwhelmed with all the work and would have liked an icebreaker or a change of focus in the latter part of the morning.



I can't wait to see how tomorrow turns out to be.. looking forward to the fun times...



HAPPY WORLD PEACE DAY!!!!!!!

Today saw the beginning of the another Community Life Competence (CLC) training in Guyana. it brought back memories of my training in February of last year. I remember trying to have an open mind yet curious to know what the training was all about. From listening to participants expectation I could have sensed that a lot of them felt the same way i would have felt on the first day of my training.

As participants came in today, signed registration sheet, collected their training packages they were greeted by Korey who kept them occupied by chatting with them about the CLP process and their expectations. Sometimes as facilitators we fail to connect with training participants at this critical stage.We forget that sometimes participants may not be familiar with each other and this can sometimes make people feel uncomfortable. Having Korey chatting with them as a facilitator and made them feel more comfortable and created an environment where persons began to settle into the training environment. This proved very useful for by the time we were ready to start persons were comfortably chatting with each other and were eagerly waiting on the formal opening of the training.



The Training was formally called to order by Constellation Coach Autry, who in his usual jovial way introduced UNAIDS country coordinator Ruben Del Prado welcomed participants on behalf of UNAIDS and sharing on why the organisation supports the process. Ruben also shared on the vision of Guyana Community Life Competence which contains the elements of effecting change by empowering minds, through working to creating competent communities and improved quality of life; identifying and building on strengths promoting community ownership and fostering partnership at local levels to address challenges. He stressed that " all of us in the room will contribute to accomplish this dream" Our ways of working and ways of thinking will ensure that we accomplish the vision.

Tricia took over the floor and introduced herself by letting participants know "this is the face to the voice" i liked that little statement, it says a lot.Tricia did a lot of the initial contact with the participants via telephone. I think it works in that it sets the tone for what is going to happen next. It brings the connection to fore, lots of times people wants to connect with the physical. She continued by having persons introduce themselves by saying their names and associating themselves with a fruit. As usual this brought out smiles and laughter from the participants and facilitators. Michael then took over and had the group come up with some ground rules by which the training will guided.

Autry took over an gave an introduction to the SALT process, what it is, how it is done, how we can be involved and how it has been working for us. He then proceeded by doing the "Are you human?" excercise, this question really brought out the "human connection". i believe it sets the foundation for everything that follows. for constantly you will hear participants referring to it. Autry then continued by having participants writing their hopes and concerns on heart shaped paper which were then shared with the group and pasted in a big heart on the wall. Autry also took the opportunity to have persons placed in groups with with the names of fruits, these groups were asked to select photos on a table and look for strengths in those pictures. This I think begins the process of having person changing their ways of thinking. People usually looks for weaknesses but this makes them look for strengths.

There was a short break

A video prepared by the constellation was shown after which a skype Connection was started with Gaston. Who spoke about the Constellation and also the Blended Learning programme. The discussions that followed was moderated by Michael. I always believe that we should use to our advantage the tools that are available to us; this use of technology I think only demonstrates that we can use several ways of working. The interaction attained during the discussion I think was truly beneficial for it helped participants to appreciate where the process would have come from.

Lunch

The afternoon saw participants Colleen and Korey with Support from Tricia, building the dream with the group. It started with an individual dream after which they were placed into three groups to come up with a group dream and illustrate that dream by drawing their ideal communities on a flipchart. There was lots of fun during this activity, persons were laughing heartily while drawing their dreams. There was full participation of all group members (fullticipation). Groups were then given the opportunity to present their illustration of their dream to the rest of the group. Participants really enjoyed doing this. After all would have finished presenting the group then worked on drawing a community dream using aspects from the group dreams. This was completed with participants all contributing to what the dream community looks like. This was presented to all.

Ruben and Michael with support from Korey discussed what it was to do an after action review. The opportunity was also used to do an after action review with the group. Participants reflected on the days activities and were all happy with the way things went. Persons thought that the process was one which they can apply to their communities while some persons felt that they were already doing some aspects of the process in their work.

The days activities ended on a high note...Can't wait for tomorrow!!!!!!

As time moves on, it seems that we are touching upon the micro specs of stability, in our human journey of ongoing becoming into being.

Male and female are both faced with the question: "What is a whole person and how do "I" become complete?

How do I and do you and do we sustain what's needed to go on living and growing? is the kind of essential questions that set the rails of locomotion from idea to happening, be it at home or at work or at play.

So the ideal lead-ership is a matter of the person(s) being made whole, complete and completing in the experience opened to feed and feedback from and to the essence of being - having - doing, whithin which the youth of creativity never gets old.

Some would simply say, being personable. 

On May 5th to 12th, 30 teenagers and Youth were trained to Educate on non-violent ways of communicating and dealing with persons n communities... They were also trained on how to use Drama as a tool for promoting Peace... Singing and Dance was also done to promoting peace

It seems that we are touching upon the micro specs of stability, in our human journey of ongoing becoming into being.

Male and female are both faced with the question: "What is a whole person and how do "I" become complete?

How do I and do you and do we sustain what's needed to go on living and growing? 

...are the kind of essential questions that set the rails of locomotion from idea to happening, be it at home or at work or at play.

So the ideal lead-ership is a matter of the person(s) being made whole, complete and completing in the experience opened to feed and feedback from and to the essence of being - having - doing, whithin which the youth of creativity never gets old.
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Some would simply say, being personable. 

What we Learn in Guyana from the Self Assessments, River and the Stairs Diagrams

• Self Assessment Framework: Helps us to access how well we re doing now, what levels we're at, and to set targets for the future.

  

• The River Diagram: Helps us compare our performance and progress with others groups/organization/communities etc. 
  

  

• The Stairs Diagram: Helps us identify whom to share experience with a particular practice so that we can improve our selves and reach our targets and dreams. 
  

  

We Learn that

1. There are great potentials for learning and shearing
2. Everyone has areas of strengths as well has areas for improvement 
3. Everyone has something t learn and something to shear
4. We may be at level 5, but there's always room for improvement, it doesn't mean we're prefect. Its also important to maintain the high levels.