United to Be…
United to Be (UTB) calls on all levels of the community, including schools, churches, leaders, media and government, to unite and fight against HIV/AIDS—we actually have a drama that depicts this, it looks a bit like Tug o’ War—HIV and people that ‘support’ HIV on one side and people who fight against HIV/AIDS on the other. It shows that unless every segment of society unites against HIV/AIDS, it is going to continue to kill us.
United to Be is a grassroots activist organization that is committed to care, education, volunteerism and action at the community level. Through public awareness and other activities, United to Be works toward justices, care and compassion for all those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, gender inequality, tribal conflict and corruption. Members of UTB recognize the love, compassion and mercy that Christ has shown us and work toward showing that same love, compassion and mercy to those who are deemed unworthy by a broader society.
UTB works for the cause of saving people’s lives, physically (HIV prevention), emotionally (care for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS) and spiritually (speaking and showing Christ’s love and forgiveness).
Below is a list of the variety of activities through which UTB and I translate the Word of God to the people of Enga:
General Campaign:
United to Be travels throughout the Enga Province to markets, schools, churches and any other public place performing dramas, songs, speeches and prayer regarding HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, tribal conflict, corruption and gender inequality.
House Fellowship:
Every Saturday evening, UTB holds house fellowship. This is a time for UTB members to gather in order to focus on the work that needs to be done- to focus inward and not outward. To rekindle the flame of passion and compassion for others that we have so that we can ignite that flame for others. Each Saturday, members are free to invite community members that are not a part of the group to worship together. This is a time for UTB to allow the Lord to revitalize their energy, spirit and drive to continue their volunteer work.
Weekly Meetings:
United to Be holds weekly meetings on Friday. The first Friday of the month UTB designs a tentative awareness program. On the subsequent Fridays, UTB designates for continued education and events that create unity within the group. UTB invites guests to teach them about various subjects as to maintain their own awareness of issues and continue their own education. Other meeting times are set on an as needed basis to practice dramas and prepare awareness programs.
The H.I.V. (Hope Inside the Virus)
The H.I.V is a periodical that is specifically written for and by people in the Engan community to address HIV/AIDS in their province. It aims to inform community members of activities surrounding HIV awareness, educate people on different issues revolving around HIV/AIDS and inspire ordinary people to stand up to injustice and stand together. United to Be members are instrumental in the reporting and writing of articles in The H.I.V. and also key people in the distribution of the magazine.
HIV Toolkit
The HIV Toolkit is a resource for primary schools within the Wapenamanda District. It is currently in the preliminary stages and being tested at Wamapis Lutheran Primary School and Wapenamanda International Christian School. With input and feedback from the teachers currently implementing the materials in their curriculum, United to Be and Liz Neuf will be making appropriate changes and submitting the materials to the Provincial Government for consideration.
HIV Materials
United to Be continues to create pamphlets that are culturally appropriate and speak to the Engan population. UTB members are crucial to the creation of these pamphlets through their assistance in translation in language and cultural behaviors.
Visiting patients in the hospital:
United to Be visits with known HIV patients in order to counsel, provide education and look after physical needs. This is provided to patient, wasman and family members present. When available, UTB members also bring with them food or soap for the patient.
Counseling
UTB members go to the homes of people infected with HIV/AIDS to provide care and counseling to both the person who is sick and their families.
Voluntary Counseling and Testing
Many United to Be members are certified HIV counselors and provide counseling and testing services to the Nyaimanya Klinik.
Participation in International and National Events:
United to Be often takes the lead in organizing and participating in events such as World AIDS Day and International AIDS Memorial Day. World AIDS Day is the 1st of December and International AIDS Memorial Day is on the third Sunday of May.
International AIDS Memorial Day is a day that UTB and AIDS W.A.T.C.H. (Wapenamanda Acts Together Concerning HIV/AIDS, a group of interested leaders in the greater Wapenamanda District area) gathers the community together to remember, with respect, dignity and honor, those we could not in life. It is also a time to recommit our lives to fighting HIV/AIDS and caring for those already living with HIV/AIDS. We do this through speeches, song, drama and a memorial service with candles lit and placed at the foot of a rather large bamboo diwai koros.
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Alright, so that might be a little bit more information than you anticipated, but there ya are. As far as VCT sites: the first accredited VCT site in the Enga Province was the one here at Mambisanda Hospital, which is staffed with volunteers, mainly from UTB. There are other sites in Wabag and Porgera, but people tend to respect and trust ours a bit more…we are functional and competent, and we have medications (both the VCT and ART treatment are fairly new to Mambisanda).
United to Be has also just started a Mobile VCT Clinic so that we can reach people in areas that are more remote
