The Independent Foreigner: Mini H.E.A.L.

One of the major ongoing projects in Ukraine is HEAL. The primary focus of this project is a summer camp which helps combat the major problems facing Ukraine: human trafficking, HIV/AIDS, healthy relationships, and leadership development. The project doesn't just stop at the end of two weeks in July, however. Years back, a team of ingenious PCV's modelled a weekend day camp after the summer version, in order that the message reach more students in smaller schools with lower English levels. That's my school!

As with anything remotely new, my Ukrainians liked the idea of hosting an anti-AIDS program that would bring volunteers and T-shirts, but when the project started coming together there was increased scepticism. Our students will not want to sing songs, and they will not participate in discussions about sex. Our parents will complain if we demonstrate how to use condoms. Our cafeteria workers will not be able to make lunch. You will have difficulty gathering 30 students. No one will understand what you are talking about, and we can not translate everything.

Naturally, challenges were overcome. 30 students joined and, after an acclimation period, really got involved in the camp songs and chants. They participated in the discussions, activities, and competitions. Everyone had an excellent time, and several parents sent their thanks. One male student's mother told our principal that she was so glad that her son had had an opportunity to learn this valuable information at such a pivotal point in his life (8th grade). We were even thanked for the condom demonstration. Students came up to me all throughout the week after and asked if they could participate the following weekend (sorry, one time only), and several expressed interest in attending the full camp in the summer.

Of course, I had a boatload of help. Three extremely motivated and talented students came from across state lines at their own expense to act as youth counsellors and quasi-translators. They were total rock stars, and there's something valuable about receiving the message from peers instead of a bunch of foreign adults. Two other PCV's also came down from eastern towns in order to facilitate lessons. I could have maybe fumbled through teaching all thirty kids at once, but the ability to split the students into smaller groups was crucial. Most importantly, one obscenely knowledgeable and generous volunteer in particular came with all the lessons and materials necessary to make our two-day camp a success. In reality, this only happened because of her brains and enthusiasm.

Blah, okay. Pictures of kids learning!