Today we had our first field research meeting in Alex with Thabo. The interview went really well mainly because Thabo is such a dynamic person. He literally has his hands in everything from the ANC to the Heritage Society to a computer/DJ business. He also told us about the business center in Alex where he got his micro MBA. Thabo was able to give us several useful contacts. When I began questioning him about health issues in Alex he spoke with such openness and honesty. There are two quotes that have stuck with me:
-About housing- “men don’t care. Women are at the front of wanting a house.
Men want to sit and die in an area. Women want to explore.’
-About HIV and AIDS: “People are afraid to open the door that says education.
They think there is a big monster there.”
-About prevention technologies: “We need a story line that would tell how we get
HIV.”
These quotes are illuminating to the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the community. It seems thus far that the main barrier to participation is the lack of education. I will be interesting to see how the story in Alex will unfold.
After the day’s meetings, a group of us went to dinner at a restaurant in the neighborhood. I had cole slaw and paap. Paap reminds me of the Cream of Wheat that my mother would make for me growing up. I think I would enjoy the paap more if I could add milk and raisins. Aside from the good food and great company, it was so wonderful to get outside and walk around and to be surrounded by the sounds and smells of the street. I really miss this part of the travel experience.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment