21/3/14 one gigantic culture difference that affects my work here in Zambia are beliefs about condoms. maybe because they were initially introduced as an anti-AIDS measure they are seen with such stigma here. Condom use in the states is about 85% and people generally assume using a condom is a good idea and seen as way to be safe and clean. Here when someone in a relationship or hook up suggests condom use it implies that person either has or suspects the other person of having HIV or other partners. This is especially true in the rural areas like where I live and work.
Today I came to my nearby school armed with 2 wooden penis' and condoms to do a demonstration. The public policy in Zambian schools is to teach abstinence only, and when they tell me that, all I can respond is I know of 13 year old girls getting pregnan, teenagers contracting HIV. Im not promoting sex, I am promoting knowledge and safety. I had to discuss with 3 teachers and the Deputy Head what I planned to do. As well as give them a demo. The men especially seemed skeptical. As if I was encouraging sex. Ultimately we had to ask the Head Teacher in charge of the school. I agreed it is an uncomfortable subject but its important. He said, "what is better to talk to our daughters about condoms, or see them in coffins?" Such a Zambian way to see it but I really enjoyed the shocked look on the male teachers faces when he agreed. And enjoyed it even more when they immediately got on board and started suggesting which girls would benefit most. I am beyond grateful to have an open headmaster who supports my work in the school. He even said there would be no male teachers in the room so the girls could be open and free to learn. Which really impressed me. Zambians really value authority and if we can get people in power supporting our work it makes it much easier.
Of course I had to stress the importance of abstinence but that didnt dampen my spirit. I had fun with the girls and made them laugh as much as possible to get them to loosen up. the female tachers were really on board and helped translating. After my demo we had six volunteers to do it also. everyone cheered for them and seemed supportive. I would like to have seen more volunteers but at least its a start.
A few weeks ago 3 girls from the GLOW club came to my house to chat and borrow crayons. I keopt trying to give them condoms but they didnt accept them. Today after session one girl offered me the crayons back and showed me a nice drawing she made. I told her to keep the crayons and keep drawing. Im so excited these girls are opening up to me, it makes me feel like part of the communituy and gives me hope they will come to me for condoms, crayons, support, or even just to chat.
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