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HIV/AIDS PROJECT VISIT- SWEDEN – 5-14 SEPTEMBER 2009
Delegation:
Nontokozo Mpofana and S`mangele Mkhung, Lynne Footit, and Christa Nightingale,
An invitation to visit Sweden is always such a privilege, and this time even more so that in 2002.This visit was to benefit, support and sustain the HIV/AIDS project initiated by Ingeborg Nilsson in 2002,which includes participation of the Oskasshamn Municipality and funding from SIDA. On a more personal note, A project which forms part of my daily activities within the DO H and HCM municipality.
We eventually arrived in Oskarshamn afteR a two day delay due to logistical problems and crisis upon crisis with our passports and visas. This can and will be explained and put on black and white for any future delegation that will have the opportunity to represent the Twinning in Oskarshamn.
We had a very busy time to try to catch up and to honor some of the planned activities in the program. Our first two days were filled very quickly by old and new friends and colleagues that wanted to see us and as per tradition, the Swedes had the need to feed us, spoil us and show us the beauty of Oskarshamn and the surrounding areas in spring time.
We were taken straight from the airport to Laila Forsmark for an Italian dinner and early Saturday morning , with the compliments of Kay, for a trip in a sea rescue craft on the Balkan sea. Thereafter discussions with Ingeborg, shopping at Shalom, visiting the Shalom yacht, a big dinner party at Ingeborg that brought together our group with the TT group. A great delight! Myself and Lynne hit the streets to observe Ulf at work at about 11pm. His relationship and contact with the youth was apparent and good work is done in support of the youth through the Shalom ministries.
Sunday special! An early morning walk through town, Carl Bloom as our knowledgeable guide, followed by a picnic at Stensjo, where old friend re-united, hugs , tears and special moments all around! Coffee with Rivka, another meeting with Ingeborg and dinner at Karen Liljestad.
Monday, serious work. Visit to Oskarshamn Gymnasium,met Gunilla Brorson. The GB and I addressed three groups on young people on HIV/AIDS followed by a library visit, Duderholts museum, Youth clinic and a 6pm attendance at the Council Meeting where Gulshera did her presentation. This was followed by a formal dinner with counselors, members of the Twinning and the SA delegations.
Tuesday, HIV/AIDS meeting with social workers and youth leaders at the family clinic. We visit Rodsle school, Lynne departs for Spain and we meet Laila at Valhalla school to do more HIV/AIDS information sharing to three student groups . We meet Tormod to discuss the sport project and linkage to other projects. Before dinner we meet with about 30 youth attached to the Shalom ministry end our stay on a very high and rewarding note. Dinner with Ingeborg and discussions on the project, the program, personal impressions, suggestions and the way forward.
Wednesday, leave early for Kalmar and the rest of the long journey home. We were safely in PS late afternoon 14 May 2009.
An invitation to visit Sweden is always such a privilege, and this time even more so that in 2002.This visit was to benefit, support and sustain the HIV/AIDS project initiated by Ingeborg Nilsson in 2002,which includes participation of the Oskasshamn Municipality and funding from SIDA. On a more personal note, A project which forms part of my daily activities within the DO H and HCM municipality.
We eventually arrived in Oskarshamn afteR a two day delay due to logistical problems and crisis upon crisis with our passports and visas. This can and will be explained and put on black and white for any future delegation that will have the opportunity to represent the Twinning in Oskarshamn.
We had a very busy time to try to catch up and to honor some of the planned activities in the program. Our first two days were filled very quickly by old and new friends and colleagues that wanted to see us and as per tradition, the Swedes had the need to feed us, spoil us and show us the beauty of Oskarshamn and the surrounding areas in spring time.
We were taken straight from the airport to Laila Forsmark for an Italian dinner and early Saturday morning , with the compliments of Kay, for a trip in a sea rescue craft on the Balkan sea. Thereafter discussions with Ingeborg, shopping at Shalom, visiting the Shalom yacht, a big dinner party at Ingeborg that brought together our group with the TT group. A great delight! Myself and Lynne hit the streets to observe Ulf at work at about 11pm. His relationship and contact with the youth was apparent and good work is done in support of the youth through the Shalom ministries.
Sunday special! An early morning walk through town, Carl Bloom as our knowledgeable guide, followed by a picnic at Stensjo, where old friend re-united, hugs , tears and special moments all around! Coffee with Rivka, another meeting with Ingeborg and dinner at Karen Liljestad.
Monday, serious work. Visit to Oskarshamn Gymnasium,met Gunilla Brorson. The GB and I addressed three groups on young people on HIV/AIDS followed by a library visit, Duderholts museum, Youth clinic and a 6pm attendance at the Council Meeting where Gulshera did her presentation. This was followed by a formal dinner with counselors, members of the Twinning and the SA delegations.
Tuesday, HIV/AIDS meeting with social workers and youth leaders at the family clinic. We visit Rodsle school, Lynne departs for Spain and we meet Laila at Valhalla school to do more HIV/AIDS information sharing to three student groups . We meet Tormod to discuss the sport project and linkage to other projects. Before dinner we meet with about 30 youth attached to the Shalom ministry end our stay on a very high and rewarding note. Dinner with Ingeborg and discussions on the project, the program, personal impressions, suggestions and the way forward.
Wednesday, leave early for Kalmar and the rest of the long journey home. We were safely in PS late afternoon 14 May 2009.
The combination of magical Sweden and Twinning friends is unique. Being valued and appreciated as an individual with a special contribution to make and the acknowledgements of your attributes and special skills. Is a great and liberating feeling . Nothing can match this special Twinning affection that we have nurtured and hold dear and appreciate.Commitment and support of projects is of paramount importance.A deep appreciation of the Swedish logistics, order, structure, time, transport, crime free situation , no fences, government responsibility and support, free schools, free medical, no school uniforms,infrastructure maintenance, law and order.
Way forward:
Regular contact with Toffie. Contact with GB at monthly meetings at HCM.GB link with Dept of Health school teams for referral and support of learners. Visit with teams to schools to observe GB in action and support. Encourage and facilitate GB extension of activities over weekends and during school holidays. Possible connection of GB to Sport Project
Christa
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