Recent heavy and consistent rainfall and have wreaked havoc across most of Lesotho. Flash floods have caused drownings and farmers have grown weary regarding the success of their crops this year due to the excess water. Most of the top soil has washed away, down the mountains and off to South Africa somewhere, where they too are experiencing the devastating effects of mother nature. Perhaps the most traumatic effects are being felt in Leribe, where the drastic rainfall has washed away entire cemetaries, leaving members of the deceased family member scrambling to gather the remains of their loved ones to rebury them elsewhere. -Articles from the Lesotho Times:Dead Bodies Washed Up in LeribeFloods Wreak Havok in Leribe-

Much like Baylor did last year, the Peace Corps-Lesotho office kicked off the new school year in style, donning uniforms from their old school days. The first day of class involved morning prayer, several assemblies, periodic announcements, and fictitious classes. Those in official attire were "students" for the day while others served as "school administration." I was mysteriously voted as the Economics teacher. Lunch was provided for faculty and pupils alike and included such delicacies as makoenya (fat cakes) and chicken feet.

Raising Awareness: Matt Deakin (CHED '10)

Caring for Those Infected: Aaron Laufman-Walker (CHED '09) Positive Living: Violeta Jimenez (ED '08) Honorable Mentions: Nathan Birhanu (ED '10) & Elissa Kaufman (CHED '09)

Baylor was recently funded to implement an awareness campaign with the aim of breaking the silence regarding sexual and gender-based violence in Lesotho. The event, which targeted HIV-positive male and female youth ages 14-18 and their caregivers, was held this past Saturday and was met with great success. The first half of the day, a host of guest speakers discussed laws relating to violence, rights of children, and police and medical procedures should someone opt to report physical or sexual abuse.

During lunch, a Sesotho Media documentary was screened which depicted a variety of abuses experienced by a young girl from Lusaka, Zambia. The second half of the day, participants engaged in stimulating and educational intergenerational dialogs, participated in theater acts relating to the topic, and made a pledge to Stop the Violence by signing a cloth with their hand print- a theme to match our shirts.

Megan's T-Shirt Design (notice the Africa?):"Report Violence!"

Lebohang (Psychologist) & Dr. Smita (Pediatrician)

Baylor and Sentebale Staff Make Preparations for the Event

Sesotho Media Film Screening

Gender-Based Violence Discussion Among Peers

NGOC Drama Group Member Involves Teen in Act

Make the Pledge: Break the Silence

('M'e Masechaba, Peace Corps Training Director on her wedding day)

(Basotho kids at play)

(Caregiver Day at Baylor)

(Peace Corps Staff Retreat + Megan as PCVL)

(Night of Indian Dancing in Maseru)

Peace Corps Youth and Community Development Volunteer Brice Foster, 25, from Sugar Land, Texas. He is currently serving in Lesotho, Africa.

The Singing Nerd: PCV in West Africa

Lyrics:Why'd I come here? I could be eating Ice cream sundaes

Where are my friends? Over oceans, I left them so far away

When I shower with a bucket or I'm pooping in a hole

That's when I've got to remember our three goals.

1. Help out the country that I am in

2. Share US Culture with my new friends

3. I'm doing the third goal as I sing and I share

All of the new things that I have seen here

That's why I joined the Peace Corps

That's why I'm in the Peace Corps

World AIDS Day 2010 Theme: Universal Access & Human Rights Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, recognizing these as fundamental human rights. Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV and AIDS services, yet greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved. World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us – individuals, communities and political leaders – to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met. Photo Contest Entry Requirements and Restrictions In support of World AIDS Day 2010, Peace Corps/Lesotho is sponsoring a photo contest for Volunteers and staff. Photos must relate to one of three categories: “Raising Awareness,” “Positive Living” or “Caring for Those Infected.” (Judges reserve the right to determine if a photograph is appropriately categorized and change a photograph’s category accordingly.) Contestants must submit their photographs digitally by e-mail or on a CD (no prints please) to PCVL Megan Kelly. Each entrant may submit one photo per category for a total of 3 entries per entrant. Each photo should include a short caption and a 50-word maximum description of what the picture represents. Completed and signed Contest Entry and Model Release (when the subject is recognizable in the photo) forms must be submitted with photos. Photographs must be taken within Lesotho and may be either in vertical or horizontal format. Minor digital enhancement for cropping, red-eye removal, filters, and corrective functions are permitted, but images that have been judged to be altered in any significant manner will be disqualified. Contestants are not permitted to place borders, frames or backgrounds around their images or to place watermarks, dates, signatures or copyright images on photos. Entries that fail to comply with the contest rules will be disqualified. Judging Entries will be reviewed by a panel of Volunteers, PC staff, and Embassy officials. Photos will be critiqued on impact, creativity, originality, artistic quality and relevance to the category. One winner from each category will be announced on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2010. Prizes will be awarded. Photo Rights of Ownership All photos submitted will become property of Peace Corps/Lesotho and may be used in departmental publications promoting Peace Corps. Whenever possible, the photographer will receive credit. Peace Corps reserves the right to crop photographs for display purposes. Winning photos will be published in the Khotso and submitted to PC/Wash. Entries must be received by November 1, 2010. (Questions about the contest should be directed to Megan Kelly)

We recently traveled to the Cape Town region of South Africa, where Aaron and I met up with his parents visiting from the US. Enjoy a few of the highlights:

(Camps Bay)

(Whale Watching: Mama and baby Southern Right Whales off the coast of Hermanes)

(Table Mountain)

(Vineyard in Stellenbosch)

(Orchid House at Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens)

(Bo-Kaap Area of Cape Town)

(Cindy and Larry at Kirstenbosch Gardens, Just Singing in the Rain)

(A Lone Jackass Penguin)

(Coca-Cola Crate Art at the Waterfront)

(Dumpster-Diving Baboon and Baby)

(The Kids)

Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of StateWashington, DC

September 30, 2010

"On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Lesotho on your 44th independence day this October 4.

The strong partnership between our nations is based on our shared commitment to peace and regional security, and our common efforts to create a brighter future for all our people. One of our greatest assets to achieve these goals has been the strong bonds of cooperation and friendship fostered by Lesotho’s hospitality to American Peace Corps volunteers. Together, we are strengthening health and educational institutions for the Basotho people, fighting HIV/AIDS, and collaborating to protect Lesotho’s natural resources and the environment. We look forward to continuing our work together and further deepening our partnership in the coming years.

I wish all the people of Lesotho a joyful independence celebration, and a peaceful and prosperous year ahead."

My service as a Peace Corps Volunteer has several distinct chapters and it appears as though I have begun a new one without having realized it ever started. Safety and security in Lesotho is not what it once was and because of the increasingly disturbing events of the past 6 months, volunteers, ex-pats, and even the Basotho are progressively more vigilant. Because of the lack of documentation, uncertainty looms as to whether the crime rate is increasing or we are just more aware of the events that are unfolding. In any case, please try not to worry- I am more alert than ever and take the necessary precautions when traveling and working across Lesotho in effort to minimize the risks to my safety. Much has changed within our Peace Corps family since the night of September 3rd and our grief continues; however we press onward, honoring Tom’s memory and the mission of Peace Corps, toward the new normal we’ve been forced to create.Luckily, I've been working on a project with my counterpart (Lebo) at Baylor that brings us all back to our happy youths and assists us in forgetting, at least temporarily, the troubles of the world. As part of our Strengthening Clinical Services program, we've created a play therapy room for children at Baylor's Center of Excellence in Maseru. We hired a painter, purchased dozens of toys, and will soon implement a play therapy program for the children who are in need of psychological services. Play therapy is a new form of care and counseling in Lesotho and thus education for staff and patients will be required. After the initial set-up is complete within the next couple of weeks, Lebohang and I plan to commence sessions with the children with the hopes of encouraging exploration and expressing their experiences through a natural, self-guided process. (Play therapy room below- a work in progress)I've also been fortunate enough to work on a project with Baylor staff at the national government hospital in Maseru, Queen Elizabeth II. Generally, the toughest cases are sent to this facility and only when no other options remain at the district or village clinic level. Queen II, as it's called, sees an unfortunate amount of malnourished cases among children under 2 years of age. To combat this issue, a team of specialists from a variety of health fields have devised a lecture series to be conducted routinely for the nutrition assistants at Queen II. The group consists of physicians, visiting scholars, nutritionists, and psychologists, and each have agreed to present research and applications for decreasing malnutrition. After reviewing current research and compiling data, I presented the positive effects of psychosocial stimulation, play therapy, and the infant-caregiver bond on decreasing the ever-present malnutrition amongst youngsters in this country. I shared creative ideas for increasing emotional and physical stimulation, which included a short demonstration on how to make stimulating toys for children with locally available products. I plan to continue with the topic in the upcoming months and build upon the foundation with each new lecture. Although not quite psychology related, there has been a surprising interest in learning the technique of baby massaging with regards to increasing infant feeding. While this is not at all within my realm of training, I am lucky enough to have a friend in the new CHED group who is a trained massage therapist who has agreed to assist with the session during October. (Queen II nutrition assistant team and training below)

Thanks to a kind donation from the states, 300 children in and around the capital have received brand new toothbrushes, attended a course to teach them the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, and developed skills to encourage others to do the same. Have you ever seen an American child so happy to receive a toothbrush??

Later this week, the US Embassy will host a Town-Hall style meeting regarding security and security issues, particularly here in the capital of Maseru. Unfortunately I won’t be in attendance because vacation awaits with great company, change of scenery, fresh perspectives, and of course delectable foods!

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 4, 2010 – Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams is saddened to announce the death of Peace Corps volunteer Thomas “Tom” Maresco in Lesotho. Tom, 24, died as a result of a gunshot wound on Sept. 3 in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, but at this time it appears it may have been an attempted robbery.

"Tom was an exceptional volunteer, leader, teacher and coach – he was an integral part of his host community where he shared his passion for teaching, music and sports,” said Director Williams. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and I ask that you keep Tom's family and our volunteers and staff in Lesotho in your thoughts and prayers.”

Tom, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., was a secondary education teacher in the village of Katse in the highlands district of Thaba-Tseka. He arrived in Lesotho for Peace Corps service in November 2009. A graduate of the University of Florida, Tom served as a science teacher in Lesotho. He was an active member of his local community in Katse and coached youth in a number of sports including basketball and swimming. Tom became his district's representative on the Peace Corps Lesotho HIV/AIDS committee and was committed to developing innovative ways to address HIV awareness and prevention among young people. He was scheduled to complete his Peace Corps service in January 2012.

The Peace Corps is providing grief counseling and support to volunteers and staff.

The Peace Corps works closely with the Department of State's Diplomatic Security operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other federal agencies to support, as appropriate, the investigations conducted by host country law enforcement. Crimes committed against Peace Corps volunteers overseas generally fall under the legal jurisdiction of the government of the country in which the crime was committed. In this case, the government of Lesotho will conduct the investigation into this crime.

There are currently 91 volunteers serving in Lesotho. Over 2,100 Americans have served as Peace Corps volunteers in Lesotho since 1967. Volunteers in this Sub-Saharan African nation work in the fields of education and community health and economic development. Geographically, volunteers are distributed throughout all 10 districts of the country.

THE PLEA TO PEARSON:My name is Megan Kelly and I am currently a third year Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho, a small mountain Kingdom in sub-Saharan Africa. I work at Baylor Centre of Excellence, which is a clinic for children, adolescents, and their parents who are infected with HIV/AIDS. Peace Corps is a United States volunteer program that aims to build capacity at the grassroots level. As a volunteer, I work with Lebohang Bereng who is my local counterpart. I have my masters degree in Clinical Psychology and she has hers in Counseling Psychology.

Currently in Lesotho there are only 5 psychologists for the entire country and all have a masters degree as their highest attained qualification. Most of them work in the main government hospital and the psychiatric hospital. In general, the mental health effort in Lesotho has been directed towards those with serious psychosis, however Baylor is looking to provide psychological support in other realms as well. Lesotho has the 3rd highest HIV/AIDS rate in the world and a large portion of those infected/affected are children and adolescents. Because of this, Baylor has developed a new program to strengthen clinical services across the entire country. In order to better serve patients, both children and some of the parents, we are hoping to obtain a set of basic psychometric assessment kits to aid in the assessment, diagnosing, and treating of our patients. I did my graduate school practicum with Pearson in San Antonio and also have training through my clinical psychology program. Lebohang Bereng also studied, administered, and interpreted a host of psychometric tests so she is familiar with the more common tests.

Because we are a small clinic and our program is quite new, we have very limited funds. I contacted old colleagues in San Antonio to see what help they may be able to offer us, and then we were referred to you. Please let me know what of assistance is available, if anything. We greatly appreciate your time and your help.

Please feel free to read my blog, as it outlines and discusses the sort of population we work with. Keep in mind it is a personal blog, and therefore refers to a host of other issues non-work related.

I look forward to hearing from you!

-Megan Kelly

THE RESPONSE FROM PEARSON IN SHORT:I have spoken to everyone in our management team and they all agree that we should support you by providing all of the assessments you have listed. Please can you send me the full address details?Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Pre-schoolers, Children, and Adults

Beck Youth Inventories- Second Edition for Children and Adolescents (BYI-II)

Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS)

Draw a Person (DAP)

Resiliency Scales for Children and Adolescents Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory- Adolescent (MMPI-A)

Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition (Vineland-II)

Social Skills Improvement System (SSiS)

AGE GROUP POSITIVE NEGATIVE RESULTS NOT DOCUMENTED Children 3 75 8 Adults 2 10 2 TOTALS 5 85 10

AGE GROUP MALES FEMALES TOTALS Negative positive Results not documented Negative Positive Results not documented Children 34 1 1 41 2 7 86 Adults 2 0 2 8 2 0 14 TOTALS 36 1 3 49 4 7 100

Click here for Old 90s Humor Magazine By and For People With HIV

We celebrated Aaron's birthday with guacamole burgers and ice cream at SPUR, a new "native american" restaurant. There may have been birthday songs in Sesotho, lots of stares, and a firecracker on top of the ice cream!

My PCVL job has begun and I'm thoroughly enjoying working at the Peace Corps office. We recently swore in 27 new CHED Volunteers and will soon make preparations for the new Education group that arrives November 3. My first desk on the first day of the job was covered in flowers, pictures, and sweet notes by a special someone.

The CHED '10 group has very diverse site placements and this year 3 are based in the capital. Jesse and Zach are based with Millennium Challenge Compact and Lee is with Baylor. Because her original site fell through, Lee was picked up by Baylor, will serve as Teen Club Coordinator at the clinic, and is now my roommate. Christina, Baylor's new Princeton in Africa fellow, will arrive September 2 and will be the third and final roommate in our house.

A portion of my work as PCVL is to go on outreach to conduct site assessments for volunteers currently serving in the field. Issues regarding security, health, and work are discussed with the Volunteer and host organization to ensure optimal effectiveness. I opted to visit Ketane to celebrate Aaron's birthday while simultaneously conducting two site visits. The 2 photos above were taken at a week-long CRS workshop for youth in remote areas. The target audience was particularly fascinating as it combined in-school and out-of-school youth. The latter, who are generally local herd-boys or kids working to basically survive, have very minimal education so reaching out to that population is important.

Over the past several months, Baylor has been collaborating with Lesotho's Ministry of Education to plan the-first-of its-kind HIV testing event at a primary school in Qacha's Nek. To my surprise, the MoE selected Most Holy Redeemer as the pilot primary school. Because I taught Life Skills and Health to these kiddos during my days in Qacha's Nek, I wanted to be a part of the event, to put the kids at ease with a familiar face, and encourage them to test along with their caregivers. We drove down Thursday, prayed away the snow, and awoke to a gorgeous sunny day with snow-capped mountains. While waiting to test, the children enjoyed games provided by Sentabale and Kick-For-Life counselors and local Baylor staff proudly wore their t-shirts delivered last minute by the MAF plane. I can't be sure of the results just yet but over a third of the school pupils tested alongside teachers, ministry officials, and local chiefs- a great turnout! My favorite students took part in the event, and while I am curious as to their HIV status, I know that it really does not matter. They now know how to care for themselves if positive, and how to remain healthy if negative.

Each of our experiences as volunteers, development workers, and healthcare providers are incredibly unique and come with their own set of challenges. The following is an excerpt from the blog of one of the most compassionate doctors at the Baylor clinic. Her story is all too common and serves to remind us of the devastating toll HIV/AIDS has taken on the youth of Lesotho.

"5 deaths in 24 hours. It's astounding. You sit there watching the tidal wave flow over the hospital as if someone poisoned the formula. And the problem starts when you begin to hope for a miracle. I have really invested my heart and soul to children that come knocking on death's door and wonder why they don't survive. I already know that parents bring in children too late using hospitals, often times, as a place for their child to die. But when I look at a child, and their eyes still open, and they are even able to produce a tiny smile, I start to hope and wonder if they have enough left to fight.

Skin and bones. Sometimes that is all they are left with. When I can visualize the skeleton that makes us human, I know we are nearing the end. So I started slow. I talked with mom. I looked at the child who sat up and I thought...maybe we have a chance. Mother so desperately wanted to feed her child, but the crazy twist is that now "food" may be her enemy. Her system is so sensitive that even the slightest off balance can kill her. So. We started slow. We tried hydration. We even started with slow feeds. I saw her start to perk up. My heart even started to have faith. She stood up with her legs made of bone trying to hold herself. I told the mother to continue this regimen all night and not to change. These children can fool you. And she did. The next day she was dead. Just like that. I knew from the start that the chances were slim, but the hope still comes seeping out from some unknown place.

Gasping. Walking by an unknown bed I see this child. His eyes are opened wide trying to get in any air that he can. I stop to ask what his story is realizing the seriousness of his state. Looking through the notes, I realize that he has received the bare minimum to survive. Luckily there was oxygen. I immediately got an xray and a tested him...both positive for TB and HIV. The poor child had been suffering for weeks...and nothing. I gave him the thumbs up sign and he smiled through his gasps. We started treatment immediately. The next day he sat up in bed trying to breath through all the fluid that was filling his lungs. He looked at me and told me he was tired. I talked to him. An hour later I gave him chest compressions only to pronounce him dead. We were too late. It is so difficult to watch a child drown and have nothing to give them. Nothing.

Fever. Such a common complaint. But a fever to a cancer patient always raises my eyebrow. Laying on the bench, I knew this child was sick. We rushed him to the treatment room and started an IV line. He was so thirsty. We kept giving him water. He was breathing fast and so hot that we gave him antibiotics and sent him for a chest xray. I called his oncologist in South Africa who advised me on the limited drugs we had and to call him if he got worse. My next call was to tell him that he was gone. I had heard the mother wailing and rushed to the bedside. His heart had already let go. I held his hand and tears rolled down. I could not hold it in any longer. He was not supposed to go. He was only 6 years old. I held the mother crying with her. It is not ok.

And this is only one day. 24 hours. I sat just lost. Brain on protective numb mode. I hugged my counselor who has stood by my side through all of this. She has been my back bone. Doing work that others are supposed to do but not willing. Hugging me when she saw the tears drop. Crying with me when we could not seem to understand the day any longer.

As I was walking out a baby caught my eye. She cooed with her eyes fixated on my face. I walked over and picked her up. She fell comfortably in my arms. A smile melted onto her face and she slowly closed her eyes. I stood rocking her for a bit smiling at mother. My backbone side kick still with me at 6:30pm after everyone has left talking to the mother in Sesotho about how well her child was doing. The next day I sent her home from the hospital, with her child in hand.

Maybe there is a reason for all of this. Maybe we do save one out of the many that make it here. But my heart does not seem to fixate on the one I save. It only charges at those that I cannot. Death is inevitable. I know. But when you are 6 months, 6 years, 12 years, I can't seem to think it is right. Not for them. They all have a chance. They all need a fighting chance. And they need someone that will fight for them. Until the end.

I am here. But when I face a day like today...it really strikes my core. What am I doing? Am I even doing it right? Do I have a fighting chance? I am not ready to give up the battle, but I can't seem to do this fight on my own. I need change. A new hospital. A government that cares to supply adequate medicine. A community that understands that hospitals can be ok if we have the two former in place. A staff that cares to work. Enough doctors to care for the children. No. I can't do this fight on my own with all of those stacked behind me.

Today was a hard day...."

KetaneThe cliff hugging, unpaved, never-ending road to Ketane wasn’t nearly as bad as its reputation. I may be biased, however, considering the 12 hour trek led me to my favorite person. The journey to Aaron’s site was long overdue and unfortunately too short because of a work-related outreach planned in Qacha’s Nek immediately after. Having been engulfed in work in the capital for the past several months, it was quite nostalgic being back among bustling village life- the simplicity of daily living, the snow-capped mountains, the smells of food cooking and trash burning in the distance, hiking barely visible trails and the fear of getting lost, cooking in the dark, and of course the renowned pee bucket experience. Above all, it was heartening to watch Aaron in his comfort zone, among his Basotho friends and family, and succeeding in his role as a PCV in one of the most challenging posts in the country. (The women insisted I wear a traditional blanket because of the weather)

(Catholic Relief Service rural outreach site)

(Mosotho woman awaits commencement of CRS community gathering)

(Aaron enjoys the view)

Qacha's Nek (QN)My arrival in Qacha’s Nek was met with a mix of emotions. Because the outreach was with Baylor, I was afforded private transport, my own hotel room, and per diem that amounts to much more than what a PCV is accustomed to having. It isn’t a stretch to say that I felt guilty using those funds, considering I used to live in a poor village 3 kilometers down the road, traveled on public transportation, and ate for a fraction of the cost. Lebo and I suggested that we instead find cheaper, alternative options and use the money for our psychology projects, but we were denied. Evidently UNICEF provides resources strictly for these occasions and we either spend it or we lose it. Throughout the week, Lebo and I met with the majority of the HIV/AIDS stakeholders across the district- governmental officials, ministry representatives, heads of NGOs, community based organizations, faith based organizations, remote clinics and the district hospital- no one was exempt. We explained our Strengthening Clinical Services program and assessed the needs of each group accordingly. Our outreaches are becoming increasingly overwhelming as we’re discovering the need for psychological services is so great. It’s becoming an hourly reminder, that we are only two people in this country where over a quarter of the Basotho are infected with HIV and many more need psychological intervention. But we press on where we can, with what little we have. We’ve got to start somewhere! I went back to Ha Mamosa to visit my old host mom and said hello to nearly all of my old friends. I was welcomed with 2 jars of home-canned peaches, yum! I was happy to see my African Library Project running smoothly at the district library. A visit to the Snake Park was of course in order, but unfortunately the owner was away. Walking down the main strip in town was surreal, quite the twilight zone experience. Most people in town thought I’d left to return to America so they were thrilled to hear I’d be staying another year, albeit in Maseru. Qacha’s Nek will always be my “home” in Lesotho and I felt completely at ease while there, but I no longer sensed as though that was where I was meant to be. Ultimately, I am pleased with my decision I made to the move to the capital 8 months ago. I do, however, miss having a family and a strong Basotho community but my work is more meaningful, related to my area of expertise, and productive. A tradeoff, one of many I’ve made these past two years. Next week I officially start my new role as Peace Corps Volunteer- Leader. I’m interested to see just how busy I become as I try to juggle two jobs. After several months off at the gym because of my partner’s foot injury, I’ll be back at it at 5:15 every morning. Groan! Daydreams of September’s Cape Town vacation are increasingly making their way to the forefront of my thoughts.

(QN Snake Park is open for business!)

('M'e Malebohang, my QN host mother, in her traditional Seshoeshoe attire)

(My 2 best buds in QN: Standard 2 student Liteboho & neighbor Tumelo)

(QN gully)

(QN Prison)

(QN Baylor Satellite Clinic triage/treatment room)

(QN Machabeng Hospital Public Service Announcement)

(Click Here to Donate)

A message from Violeta:

Imagine a school in America without a gym, a cafeteria, or an auditorium, in a community without any place the local youth can go for recreation. Imagine that a school meeting or concert must be cut short because it starts to rain, and there's no place to go inside. After years of enduring these problems, this High School wants to build a multi-purpose hall which will serve all these purposes, where its students and teachers can come together as a community. They will be able to study together, eat together, put on concerts, plays, and debates, have club meetings and workshops, watch movies, play indoor games, and more. By literally being closer as a community, the students will be able to motivate and help each other, and take pride in each others’ accomplishments. Also important is that the hall will ensure that activities no longer need to end when it rains or snows. Students can assemble inside and carry out group activities all year-round, weather notwithstanding. Moreover, the hall will act as a youth or rec center, a place where students can relax and have fun after school hours in a supervised environment. This hall will positively affect the health, academic performance, and happiness of the students for years to come. As the teachers and students say, the construction of this hall will be a milestone in the history of the school.

Nation Of Andorra Not In Africa, Shocked U.S. State Dept. Reports

Working hard or hardly working? Definitely the former, but inevitably I still have those weekends where I lounge around my house watching Lost, Fringe, or Veronica Mars reruns and eat only cereal. Much has happened since I made the decision to extend my service for a third year, thus warranting a blog update regarding my new work-related endeavors. Peace CorpsFor the first time in Peace Corps-Lesotho’s history, a Peace Corps Volunteer Leader (PCVL) position was made available for qualifying third year volunteers. After putting the applicants’ names to PCVs, staff, and headquarters in Washington, I am delighted to report that I have been selected and ‘promoted’ to PCVL. The competition was stiff and so I am very humbled and appreciative to be given the opportunity to act as a liaison between my fellow PCVs and staff in Lesotho. With this new role come additional responsibilities including site development, trainings for new and existing volunteers, outreach for site visits, reviewing/amending the health program’s project plan, and serving on Peace Corps committees in a unique capacity. I have decided to step down from the HIV/AIDS committee, as both the co-chair and district representative to allow others the opportunity to learn and grow as I did. When available, I will sit in on committee meetings (Volunteer Advisory Committee, HIV/AIDS Committee, Peer Support Network, etc) and offer guidance and assistance where need be. Because the PCVL position is novel in Lesotho, we will be able to mold the position based on the needs of our 2 program sectors in country. I will maintain my duties at Baylor but will divide my time between the two organizations, both of which are based in Maseru. The first few months may involve trial and error to determine how best to split my time, but I am confident we’ll figure out a groove sooner rather than later. Flexibility has been key to my survival these previous two years and I’m sure it will remain so for my third. Did I mention a few perks to the gig include my own PC office, computer, and phone? If it were not for my bank statements and the “volunteer” in my job description, you’d think I had a REAL job! ;-) BaylorAbout 6 months ago, Baylor was sub-granted a hefty chunk of change from Elizabeth Glasier Pediatric AIDS Foundation for a program called Strengthening Clinical Services in Lesotho. The program and funds aim to upgrade and expand psychological and social services in each of Lesotho’s 10 districts, including the most remote of areas. I nearly applied for one of the Clinical Psychologist positions but ultimately decided against it for a multitude of reasons. The decision to stay with Peace Corps as a Baylor volunteer has paid off immensely because for the first time ever, I finally have a Mosotho counterpart! Counterparts are typically a host country national with whom volunteers directly work with and transfers knowledge. ‘M’e Lebo recently completed her masters-level training in South Africa and has recently assumed the role of Baylor’s first ever psychologist. For the next several months, Lebo and I will be traveling across the country to assess the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in psychological care. Primary emphasis will be placed on youth who are HIV positive. Because this field is relatively new in Lesotho and there are only 5 psychologists in country, we foresee the need to be great and are schedules to be full. A few weeks ago, we spent time in Leribe and found the greatest need to be caring for caregivers (including health-care providers). It’s easy to overlook those providing care in this immense HIV/AIDS epidemic but these individuals are the backbone for support and their mental health need not be ignored. Next week we’ll be heading to Qacha’s Nek to assess the situation there. I’m very excited to get back to my roots, back to my old stomping ground. [As a side note, I called my old host mom to inform her of my visit. The tears of excitement and anticipation were tangible through the phone. I miss that woman!] The latest addition to my tasks at Baylor includes consulting on HIV-positive patient psychological cases. As a PCV, we are forbidden to provide direct clinical services since sustainability and capacity building are the crux of our program. I therefore assist ‘M’e Lebo by proposing ideas for particular therapy sessions, act as her support, and provide recent literature in the field. We’ve also been trained in different psychometric tests (IQ, Achievement, Memory, Personality, Depression/Anxiety Scales), so we have plans to instruct each other in that realm. We also intend to convert a small examination room into a Play Therapy room, though funds are very limited for this venture. Time to put the creative hats on! As a side project, we hope to start a Journal Club specifically for the few psychologists in country. If it isn’t obvious, we have our work cut out for us! Before concluding, I’d like to send out a special thank you to Aaron’s family (Cindy and Uncle B). They graciously purchased and shipped over 300 youth-sized toothbrushes for the kiddos in Teen Club. Because of their kind contribution, we will devote August’s Teen Club to “The Importance of Oral Hygeine”. (Over 300 youth toothbrushes donated to Teen Club from Aaron's family)

('M'e Lebo, Baylor's new clinical psychologist and my counterpart, stands next to a makeshift wheelchair while on outreach at Leribe's District Hospital)

(Baylor/Sentebale/Hole in the Wall Camp Mamohato Grounds)

Every year, winter in Lesotho passes entirely too quickly. The Basotho and PCVs alike would deem me crazy for enjoying the harsh weather conditions and short days, but I’m in love with this time of year. The snow, the blankets, the scarves, the portable heaters, the hot chocolate- I fancy all of it! It has been a strange few months, however, with a host of people living in my house temporarily- high school students, undergraduates, medical students, fellows, and of course the occasional Peace Corps Volunteer. All are here for very noble reasons and their research at the Baylor Clinic is greatly needed and much appreciated. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the new Princeton in Africa fellow’s arrival in late August, as her coming denotes some sort of stability in the house. Maseru has also seen a swarm of visitors over the past several months due to the World Cup in South Africa. I imagined there’d be plenty of tourism but unfortunately Lesotho hasn’t been given the recognition it deserves as a jewel in Africa. Perhaps some day! I did, however, have the opportunity to meet with 2 wonderful families exploring Maseru proper and a few remote sites across the country. I met the first family through Dr. Woodruff, a most exceptional graduate professor. His American friends take part in an economics exchange program between Mississippi State University and University of the Free State in South Africa. It was rather shocking to discover the similarities between their experiences teaching students in SA and mine here in Lesotho, particularly in regards to teacher-student relationships among host country nationals. We as Americans should all be grateful for the manner in which are educated- in a system that promotes fairness, critical thinking, and the ability to question. I met the second family, a pair of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) and 2 boys, through my blog. The five of us dined with my PC Country Director and her husband at a local Indian hotspot. We shared multi-generational stories and compared notes of Peace Corps experiences across the world. Again, I realized just how much I have to be thankful for in this generation of volunteerism. To both families- thank you for your visit and your kind words of motivation. World Cup fever is over and I am curious to discover what the new hot topic will be in the forthcoming months. For the past two years, it has been nothing but soccer and vuvuzelas so it goes without saying that I am relived this era is over. What are the odds that the Basotho will now refocus all of that World Cup enthusiasm and obsession towards something like fighting HIV/AIDS, TB, poverty, etc? Only in a perfect world? Regarding the World Cup, I’m quite disheartened by the trio of bombings in Uganda that took places during the final match between Spain and the Netherlands. While the PCV and Country Director that I know are safe, it doesn’t minimize the unease I feel when looking at pictures of what unfolded that night in Kampala. The photos of innocent Africans and foreigners uniting in celebration are hardly dissimilar from the ones I snapped at World Cup viewings here in Maseru. I have a few choice words for terrorists but I’ll refrain on public domain. On a cheerful note: Happy Fourth of July! One of my colleagues at Baylor, Dr. Amy, had relatives in town so we celebrated by hosting a party at my house. The afternoon boasted Johnny Cash and other American classics, hot dogs and sausages galore, couches on the lawn, and thoughts of home. It’s always the irreplaceable moment when we’re able to share one of uniquely American holidays with people from a variety of other nations- especially England!(A Multicultural 4th of July Celebration at my House)

(World Cup 2010 Fever at Maseru Sun Cabanas)

(Housewife Pack, hah!)

(Recreational Sign Climbing)

(Whitney's Going Away Party. Attire: Wear anything made from items found at grocery stores Pick-n-Pay or Shoprite)

After two long years in the making, a mother/daughter duo finally accomplish their quest to tour across Italy. The following pictures are a few highlights from our grand adventure!

(Isle of Capri)

(Rome)

(Venice)

(Pisa)

(Juliet's Balcony in Verona)

(Daunting Mount Vesuvius Behind Ancient City of Pompeii)

(Pompeii)

(Waterfront, Sorrento)

(Farmer's Market, Sorrento)

(The Secret Garden)

(Making Wishes at the Trevi Fountain)

(Ultimate Tartufo at Piazza Navona)

(St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City)

(Inside St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City)

(Gondolla "Taxi Rank" in Venice)

(Leaning Tower of Pisa)

(Trafalgar Family at the Coliseum in Rome)

Twice monthly, dozens of eager children from across the district arrive at Baylor Pediatric HIV/AIDS Clinic to take part in Teen Club, a psychosocial support program for adolescents who are HIV positive. The kids, who are patients at the clinic, are grouped with peers of the same age level and are provided a safe place to play, learn, and be free from the stigma and discrimination that is ever-present across the Lesotho. Baylor and Sentabale staffs collaborate to create and deliver age and gender appropriate lesson on issues related to HIV/AIDS, general health, communication, decision-making, relationships, etc. Sessions, which are facilitated by highly motivated and well-trained host country nationals, are usually accompanied by a variety of games that foster an open dialogue concerning the topic at hand. Because of the economic depravity experienced by most of the children’s families, Baylor and Sentabale also provide transportation costs and a hot, hearty meal. Once a year, Baylor reserves two Saturdays to devote to Caregiver Day, a time in which children in Teen Club can invite their parents and/or caregivers to the Clinic to participate in a day-long workshop pertaining to a pre-determined topic. My roommate Whitney, who will be completing her Princeton in Africa Fellowship within the next week, took charge of this year’s Caregiver Day. Because of her keen interest in gender issues, women’s right, and abuse she decided implement the topic at the event. Whitney and the Sentabale counselors created scenarios and key messages for the children, while I assumed a different role with the social workers. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, an enormous aspect of my job involves capacity building at the local level. With this in mind, I created reading materials, lectured to the social workers, and administered a quiz on neglect and emotional, physical, and sexual abuses. By the end of our “mini-course”, the social workers learned definitions, recited relevant laws, recognized physical, behavioral, and psychological signs of abused/neglected children and abusive/neglectful caretakers, identified local resources for dealing with such issues, and performed marvelously on a challenging test. From my crafted materials and the trainings, the social workers in turn developed a 2 hour interactive PowerPoint session to present to the Caregivers at the event. They included explicit pictures and were thoroughly prepared to discuss even the most sensitive of topics. Not surprisingly, the most rewarding aspect for all involved was the willingness of Basotho staff and attendees to push through issues that are generally considered taboo and talk about them openly and honestly. Children shared their personal stories, adults reflected and assessed their own behavior, and in time intergenerational discussions arose that attested to the success of Caregiver Day. While the event by no means solves the issues faced here and across the world, we did plant a seed of change. One step at a time. (Awesome kiddo, all bundled up Basotho-Style)

(Who Doesn't Love a Visitor? PC Medical Officer, Megan, Ntoli from Sentabale, and PC-Lesotho Country Director Kathy)

(Our Fearless Teen Club and CAMP Leaders- Ntoli, roommate Whitney, Pista)

(Aaron: Professional Toilet Paper Roller)

(Caregivers at Neglect and Abuse Lecture)

(Stretch, Jump, Dance, & Mingle- Morning Exercises with Teen Club Kids and their Caregivers)

(Did Someone Say 'World Cup 2010?')

(Social Worker Discussing Sexual Abuse with the Caregivers)

(Free Time with the Fellas!)

Peace Corps Partnership: Donate Here!

A Message from Kristan (CHED '08-'10):Khotso (Peace) to all the good people out there that I've met along my journey so far!

I'm working with a group of farmers here in Lesotho to build a greenhouse so they can grow vegetables in the winter. Its a great project and the greenhouse has a really cool design thanks to my brilliant architecture family and friends. The hold up as always is the money so I am fundraising through peace corps which is actually the only way that 100% of the money you donate goes directly to the people on the ground, no overhead or advertising costs to cover!

To donate, go to the Peace Corps website (www.peacecorps.gov) and click DONATE NOW in the left collumn. Then search by my project number which is 632-065. The name of the project is Community Greenhouse.

My time is short and I only have about a month to raise about $5000 so please please, if you can give anything, 5 bucks, anything the people in the village of Menkhoaneng and I will greatly appreciate it. Lets help the people of Lesotho grow their own, local, organic foods!

With Peace and Love!Kristan

P.S. More information about the project:

The farmers I'm working with are some of the most forward-thinking farmers I've met in Lesotho and are already growing a wider variety of vegetables than most Basotho. The idea for the greenhouse design was a collaboration between one of the farmers, an lecturer at the Agriculture college in Lesotho, my sister, her boyfriend, and another volunteer (architects). The structure is going to be an arc of fiberglass extending from a stone wall. The fiberglass will increase the lifespan of the initial greenhouse giving them a longer time before they need to invest in repairs. The stone wall will be painted black to absorb heat during winter days and release it at night so summer vegetables like tomatoes can last thoughout the cold Lesotho winters (yes it does get cold in Africa!). The farmers are currently meeting with the community's support groups to agree on the best way that the greenhouse seedlings and produces can benefit the communitys many (200+ out of about 600 children) single and double orphans. In addition to directly assisting the orphans and vulnerable children, the greenhouse produce will be sold at a discount to community members and act as a valuable agriculture resource to encourage diversification of home gardens.

Being a community in the country with the 3rd highest HIV prevalence, people living in Menkhoaneng face the impacts of the HIV/AIDS pandemic daily. Having a more affordable, more nutritious, local source of food will improve the nutrition everyone but especially people living with HIV and AIDS to help their bodies fight of the virus and other diseases.

Two years ago our group of Community Health and Economic Development trainees arrived in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. We were clean, eager, and ready to do our part to help the Basotho nation through building capacity at the grassroots level. We trained together, worked in various fields including small business development, agriculture, youth, and HIV/AIDS, learned the language and culture, and eventually became functioning members of our respective villages. We've been met with blood, sweat, tears, and even babies but through it all we've persevered with unrelenting enthusiasm. This week CHED '08-'10 had our Close of Service Conference at Malealea Lodge and it was met with bittersweet emotions for all. The retreat offered us a chance to reflect upon our accomplishments, our failures, and the impacts we may or may not be able to recognize at present. Although we joined Peace Corps with the hope of bettering our host country, I think it is Lesotho that has done that favor for us. Each of us has changed in very unique ways and the friends I have made along the journey will always be with me. I wish the best of luck to every member of the group- those who departed Lesotho before us, those heading back to America, and those transferring to Vanuatu. As for me, I have decided to extend my contract with Peace Corps-Lesotho for a third year. There is still a lot of exciting work to be a part of at Baylor Pediatric HIV/AIDS clinic and I look forward to strengthening my relationships both outside and inside the Peace Corps circle. A big thank you to everyone back home and to those special people here in Lesotho for all the support and love. You have and will continue to be my rock.

With Love, -Megan

(from UNICEF)(Malekena George heads home from the Pilot Health Clinic in Lesotho's Berea district after her first antenatal check-up)

(Malekena George is given her new 'Mother to Baby Pack' at the Pilot Health Clinic in Lesotho's Berea district. The pack includes ARV drugs and antibiotics.)

BEREA DISTRICT, Lesotho, 16 March 2010 – Malekena George is eight months pregnant, living with HIV, and exhausted from the five-hour trek she endured to get here, to the Pilot Health Clinic, for her first antenatal check-up. But because her journey to the clinic was so difficult, this visit may also be her last.

Ms. George's first child died at 13 months, likely due to HIV infection, and the Lesotho Ministry of Health is working to ensure that her second baby is not born with HIV as well. In 2007, the Government, with help from UNICEF and other partners, initiated a massive effort to improve the country's Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services. To succeed, they needed to ensure that every clinic in the country could provide HIV testing and treatment.Lesotho Leads the WayLesotho became one of the first countries in the region to allow nurses to administer anti-retroviral (ARV) treatments, which greatly expanded access to these critical interventions in the remote areas of the country where fewer doctors are available.But despite such efforts, major challenges remain, including the fact that many women, like Ms. George, are likely to make only one clinic visit. This is a typical problem for many health systems in Africa. Though ARV drugs can increase the chances that a baby is born free of the virus, providing HIV-positive mothers with the treatment is not easy, especially in remote areas. The combination of distance, lack of transport and poverty prevents many women from making regular antenatal care visits. Such factors also lead many women to drop out of the PMTCT programmes, and to deliver their babies at home without the presence of trained medical professionals. In a country such as Lesotho, where one in four people is living with HIV, that one antenatal visit has become all the more critical. Keeping Mother and Child HealthyInnovative prevention methods are also making a huge difference. The Lesotho Government has designed a minimum package for expectant mothers like Ms. George that includes the most effective ARV drugs and antibiotics needed to keep them, and their children, healthy. When they leave the clinic, these women are also provided with clear instructions on what medicines they need to take – and when – and what medicines they need to give to their babies after their birth.In an effort to expand this public health innovation ever further, UNICEF and WHO have created a colour-coded take-home box that will be rolled out to five countries in eastern and southern Africa, Lesotho included, by July. Instead of the nurses having to pack the medicines all in small pill bags, this new 'Mother to Baby Pack' clearly separates the ARV drugs and the antibiotics according to when they need to be taken. "We had to take advantage of the first antenatal visit," said UNICEF HIV and Maternal Health Expert Blandinah Motaung. "In case a woman delivers at home, she will have that package with her."A Dramatic Drop in InfectionsWith the new regimen of ARV treatments, and the efforts to facilitate women in taking these medicines at home, health experts expect the number of babies born with HIV in Lesotho to drop dramatically. "The expectation is that with better adherence to the treatment and more focus on helping mothers to exclusively breastfeed for six months, we can further reduce the transmission rate to less than five per cent," said Ms. Motaung.Take Home MedicineAfter her check-up, Ms. George listened carefully to Marethabile Lelia, the clinic nurse, give instructions on the medicines that she would be carrying home, and a mother-to-mother counsellor reiterated the importance of sticking to her treatment.Although Ms. George has another appointment scheduled at the clinic, Ms. Lelia doesn't expect to see her until she returns with a six-week-old for the baby's first round of immunizations and first HIV test - children are again tested at 12, and then 18 months. As she prepared for her five-hour walk home, Ms. George clung to her medicines, understanding clearly they represented her best hope of ensuring that her baby would escape infection and grow up healthy.

(from UNICEF)(Ann M. Veneman visits clients at a children's clinical centre built by Baylor College of Medicine and Bristol-Myers Squibb in Maseru, Lesotho, where paediatric and family HIV care and treatment services are provided to young children and their caregivers.)

MASERU, Lesotho, 9 April 2010 – During a visit to Lesotho, a country entirely landlocked by South Africa, UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman this week launched ‘Facts for Life’, a publication that delivers life-saving information to families and communities on how to prevent child and maternal deaths, diseases, injuries and violence.

“Education is key,” said Veneman. “Through simple messages, ‘Facts for Life’ aims to bring vital knowledge to parents and caregivers, who are the first line of defense in protecting children from illness and harm.”

Circulated WorldwideNow in its fourth edition, Facts for Life’ has benefitted millions of individuals and communities since its first publication in 1989. Some 15 million copies of previous editions have been circulated worldwide in 215 languages.

It is a co-publication by UNICEF, WHO, WFP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNDP, UNAIDS and the World Bank, and provides practical advice on pregnancy, childbirth, major childhood illnesses, child development, early learning, parenting, protection, care and support for children.

New Chapter on Child Protection“Pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria, measles and AIDS, together account for half of all deaths of children under age five,” said Veneman. “These diseases are largely preventable, and sometimes it is a simple lack of knowledge that causes these deaths. ‘Facts for Life’ helps bridge that information gap.”

‘Facts for Life’ is available electronically in English, French and Spanish. The updated version contains a new chapter on child protection, which provides information on keeping children safe from violent and harmful behaviours and practices.

“Girls and boys must be protected from violence and abuse,” said Veneman. “Protecting children so that they can grow up in safe environments and reach their full potential can help break the cycle of poverty.”

Thanks to the PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) program, my adorable little friend here is HIV negative.

Teaching a a Lifeskills class at Melissa H.'s primary school. Sexual and Reproductive Health sessions are always complete with both male and female condom demonstrations.

Proudly showing off male and female condoms. These kiddos now know how to protect themselves and will encourage others to do so when the time is right.

Two primary schools in Maseru battling it out in the area's first ever Debate Competition. The topic: The Influence of Alcohol and Drug Use on Youth in Lesotho.

Speech! Speech!

Baylor's Caring Father's Support Group on their first outreach to neighboring schools. Key messages for the day included HIV prevention, cultural barriers to combating HIV/AIDS, and the importance of playing an active role in care of children's health.

The Story of King Moshoeshoe I(...as told by Wikipedia)

Megan at the Office (with a new hair color)

Irish Ambassador & Baylor Director Handing Over Funds to "Caring Fathers" Support Group

"Caring Fathers"

Baylor Staff Dressing up for "School Days"

Baylor Staff Singing in the Clinic After Morning Prayer (also on "School Days")

The Plaque

Baylor Grounds

In the past, people have asked how well Peace Corps informs volunteers of security concerns in my area (Lower Thetsane, Maseru) and what sorts of issues arise. I've received several security alerts via text message from Peace Corps-Lesotho within the past two days and thought I'd pass them along to quench your curiosity.

Re: Suspicious Person Alert- Around the area of Lower Thetsane there is an unknown female person purporting to be an American citizen. The unknown individual is described as follows: Caucasian female approximately 5 feet, 8 inches in height, slender build, with short light brown colored hair, between the age of 40 and 50, wearing white capri-length pants, a pink t-shirt, and white cotton hat with flaps that can pull down over the ears and that covers the neck area. The unknown individual stated that she was an American missionary worker and she wants to get in touch with Americans in that area. If you notice a suspicious person approaching your residence, it is highly recommended that you use caution and ensure that you keep your doors locked. It is also recommended that you do not engage in conversations with the individual alone. Please report to SSC immediately if you have concerns.

Re: Planned demonstration at Lesotho Agricultural College and Manpower Development Secretariat tomorrow (02/11/2010). The demonstrations will commence at approximately 0900 hours and conclude around 1400 hours, starting at LAC and proceeding west until they (about 200-300 students) reach the gasoline station next to Lehakoe Club. From this point, students will send their delegation to NMDS to deliver their petition (student allowances and failure of timely payments). PCVs are to avoid this route during those hours.

Rso Alert: Semi Truck parked in the road at Lower Thetsane just past entrance to the Lower Thetsane subdivision. It is parked on the left-hand side going away from town, blocking the entire lane.

(View from my 'office' window on a rainy day)With a new home and job here in the capital city of Maseru, it inevitably follows that a different routine will develop. This is no longer village life- for better or worse. Every day at 5:30 I awake to the beeping alarm on my cell phone, crawl out of bed, lazily dress, wash up, and head for the gym for an hour long workout. I’ve been blessed to have found a gym partner that unwaveringly honks her car’s horn precisely 10 minutes past my own alarm. Yesterday commenced in the same manner as all the days before it- except that in my haste to halt the blaring honks I forgot my water bottle on the counter, killed another set of headphones on minute 25 of the elliptical, and found not a hint of water at my indoor faucets and outdoor spigots. Not to worry, I still remember my roots. In true Peace Corps style, I poured 2 liters of drinking water into the tub and opted for my first bucket bath since moving from Qacha’s Nek late last year (my gym partner showered at another ex-pat’s house). One point for the PCV! At 7:20 my roommate (Whitney, a Princeton Fellow) and I made our way to the Baylor Clinic where business was opened with a hymn and prayer in Sesotho followed by morning announcements. Observing the clinic staff and Basotho families uniting in song and hope for a shared purpose is the most beautiful part of the day. I secretly wish for an extra ten minutes of it before retreating to the library, my temporary office space. I passed the time it takes for my laptop to load by admiring the view of the rugged plateau outside a nearby window. Rocks lining a smooth edge of the precipice spell out “infantry school” which explains the daily distress signals that are a constant reminder of WWII imminent enemy attack warnings. “Did you hear about the shooting? Well, did you hear?” Shaken out of my own thoughts, I turned to one of the drivers who appeared flushed with excitement. He repeated his question and began to recount the events that unfolded only 15 minutes prior to my arrival at the clinic. From what I gathered, somewhere between the Baylor Clinic and the National Health Training College (NHTC)- a road less than a quarter of a km long- a double homicide occurred. The shooter, who happened to be a Mosotho policemen, opened fire on a passing car at point-blank range. In the car were his wife and her 'lover' (actually the man was called "a concubine from elsewhere in Africa"). From what the construction workers nearby are saying, the shooter warned the pair that their illicit affair should come to end, but the events that unfolded yesterday morning apparently proved that the couple felt otherwise. The car and bodies were littered with bullets, a huge crowd gathered, and police arrived at the scene. By the time I became aware of the incident, the situation was mitigated, perpetrator detained, onlookers dispersed. Peace Corps security was notified of the situation and I was sent to medical to assess the need for counseling. In all senses I am fine, it's just a bit shocking to have occurred within such close proximity. Kudos to Peace Corps for their thorough response and to the Basotho for clearing the disturbing scene promptly and allowing construction workers who witnessed the tragedy to take a mental health day!

by Betsy McKay (The Wall Street Journal)The Obama administration proposed a 9% increase in funding for global health needs in its fiscal 2011 budget, pledging to spend more to combat preventable diseases and reduce deaths among women and children at a time when it is tightening its belt elsewhere.The proposal was accompanied by the release of a set of ambitious targets to be achieved by 2014, including getting 1.6 million more people into drug treatment for HIV/AIDS, cutting the prevalence of malaria by 50%, and reducing the number of deaths of mothers and children under 5 years old.Some AIDS and other health advocacy groups said the amounts the administration was asking for weren't sufficient for it to achieve the goals it has laid out. Of particular concern was a small proposed increase in spending for HIV/AIDS programs for the second year in a row.President Barack Obama's request totals $9.6 billion for funds for the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Defense Department, the White House said. That compares with $8.8 billion enacted for fiscal 2010.The bulk of the requested funding, about $7 billion, is for the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the massive program launched by President Bush in 2003. That includes $5.74 billion for bilateral HIV/AIDS programs, a $1 billion contribution to the Global Fund and $251 million for bilateral tuberculosis programs. That compares with $6.8 billion in fiscal 2010, including $5.54 billion for bilateral HIV/AIDS programs, $1.05 billion for the Global Fund, and $246 million for TB.While the requested contribution to the Global Fund is less than the amount given last year, it is $100 million more than the amount requested last year, officials said.The new global health initiative reiterated the administration's pledge to put more than four million people on HIV/AIDS drug therapy and prevent more than 12 million new HIV infections by 2014.The plan also called over the same time period for reducing malaria by 50% for 450 million people in Africa, including expanding efforts into Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; reducing tuberculosis prevalence by 50%; saving approximately 360,000 women's lives by reducing maternal mortality by 30% in assisted countries; and saving approximately three million children's lives by reducing mortality rates of children under 5 years old by 35% in assisted countries.It put timetables on the elimination or partially elimination of three neglected tropical diseases: leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, and onchocersiasis, also known as river blindness.Under the proposed budget, the State Department and USAID would get $680 million for malaria programs, up from $585 million in 2010. Maternal and child health would get $700 million, up from $474 million, while $590 million would go to family planning, up from $525 million.Officials said a key element of the new initiative was to integrate health efforts and strengthen health systems on the ground, to give government and private donors a bigger bang for their buck."We are trying to integrate programs," said a White House official. "There's a lot of stovepiping, as it's called. There's the PEPFAR program separate from malaria separate from maternal and child health separate from neglected tropical diseases separate from water. That is quite duplicative and inefficient in all sorts of ways – multiple offices, multiple clinics, facilities, different reports for different groups."The hope is to yield "more effective use of the money so we can reach these pretty aggressive targets," the official said. Under the new plan, the government will also select up to 10 countries by April that will receive more funding and resources "to try to turbocharge this integration on the ground."Health organizations were still crunching the budget numbers late Monday, but some said they were concerned the small increases in HIV/AIDS program funding threatens the momentum gained in a scale-up of HIV treatment in recent years."PEPFAR has been a forceful engine driving down AIDS mortality, heading off new infections, and extending life-saving drugs to millions of HIV patients," Kenneth Mayer, co-chair of the Center for Global Health Policy's Scientific Advisory Committee, said in a statement released Monday night by that organization. "Unfortunately, this budget proposal could imperil the fragile gains made over the last decade in treating HIV. It could also force a Sophie's Choice between prevention and treatment.""This is a very big disappointment," Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, speaking from Ethiopia on a conference call arranged by the Global AIDS Alliance. "It's pretty much a standstill with maybe tiny changes here and there."Of particular disappointment, Mr. Sachs said, was that the requested increase in spending to combat malaria wasn't more substantial. "The U.S. government is billions of dollars short of what it should have spent," he said. "Comprehensive control of malaria is now possible."

Bits and pieces from a random internet article:

This is the moment Prince Harry took a heart-stopping, head-first tumble from his polo pony during a charity match in the Caribbean yesterday.

The third in line to the throne was thrown from his mount as he attempted a sharp turn close to the goal mouth, causing the animal to lose its footing and slide across the ground in a cloud of dust and grass.

Fortunately the 25-year-old prince managed to dive forwards and execute an athletic roll, breaking the impact of his fall on the rock-hard field in Barbados.

Seconds later he picked himself up unharmed but was clearly upset at the blunder as he threw his mallet to the ground in disgust, ripped off his helmet and punched it. The pony was unhurt.

Harry's team went on to win the inaugural Sentebale Polo Cup, with the prince scoring one of their six goals.

Speaking about the fall afterwards, Harry said: 'I'm a bit sore but it was all for a good cause so it was worthwhile in the end. Basically the horse slipped from underneath me, which does happen occasionally and is a but unfortunate.'

'It probably looks very dramatic because I was trying to throw myself clear of the horse. I'm a bit sore but the horse is ok though.'

The Prince explained that he hadn't thrown down his mallet in anger at getting thrown but was furious that he may have lost Sentebale a sizeable donation.

He explained: 'The reason why I was throwing my mallet down was because I met this nice businessman at dinner last night who offered me $50,000 for Sentebale if I fell off my horse today. His wife turned round and said 'that's a bit harsh, you should give him $100,000 if he stays on.' And he agreed to seal the deal on that. '

'So when I fell off, I threw down my mallet and shouted: "What a waste of $100,000!" I was furious with myself. Fortunately this extremely generous gentleman has already been in touch and told us that it was the clear that the horse fell over, rather than I fell off it, so he was happy to honour the $100,000. What a star!'

'It's been an exhausting trip - I feel like I have been here a month not two days - but absolutely rewarding.Everyone from our local supporters to the Barbados government have bent over backwards to make this work for Sentebale. People have dug so deep in their pockets.'

'It looks like we may have raised £500,000 for the vulnerable children of Lesotho, so I couldn't be more pleased. We are going to try to take the Sentebale Cup around the world but will definitely be coming back to Barbados as we have started it here and the island has such a special place in our hearts.'

Harry was playing at the exclusive Apes Hill Polo Club in Barbados to raise money for Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in memory of his late mother to help vulnerable Aids orphans in the African kingdom of Lesotho.

The 1,200 ticket match was a complete sell out and is expected to raise more than £100,000. Harry hopes to make the Sentebale Polo Cup an annual event.

Lesotho is one of the world's poorest nations and has been devastated by an HIV pandemic.

One third of its 1.8 million population is infected with HIV or Aids and 40 per cent of children are orphans as a result. Average life expectancy is just 40 years.

Harry visited the country during his gap year and was immensely moved by its plight.In a speech to mark the occasion yesterday he told supporters: 'It seems to be one of life's cruellest ironies that when natural disaster strikes - whether it be earthquake in Haiti or years of drought and ravaging by HIV AIDS in Lesotho, it is always the most vulnerable, the most defenceless, the children, who are left exposed and needing the most help.

'We are making a real difference in Lesotho but it is not straight-forward. The problems are complex and our work, inevitably, is not without its issues. But we are there for the long term.'

Snapshots of My New Home in Maseru1. Constructing the new fence2. Kitchen 13. Flowers from my favorite4. Front yard5. Living room & dining rom6. Kitchen 27. Megan's room8. Backyard9. Front of house

Baylor Clinic (Maseru, Lesotho)

As Peace Corps Volunteers, our 2 years of service are charted out for us in a booklet that we are given upon arrival into country. The X-axis illustrates the number of months we’ve been living/working in our host country, while the Y-axis depicts our emotional state. Inevitably, there are a series of plunges and elevations that are said to occur around similar times in each volunteer’s service. Surprisingly, my first year flew by with very few dips or hurdles. Despite having no direction or support from my host organization, I filled my time with various independent projects by eliciting the help from a diverse group of community members in Qacha’s Nek. Around the same period, the latest group of health volunteers arrived in country and I spent copious amounts of time in the capital city of Maseru facilitating sessions and networking with various NGOs in the area. After their 3 months of training were complete, I permanently returned to site only to find myself in a severe slump. No local support for projects, few if any goal-oriented individuals, apathy among many host country nationals, isolation, broken promises from host organization to pay rent, a supervisor who demeaned women, and no foreseeable future undertakings were just a few of the issues that were encountered throughout but only became increasingly apparent after my stint in Maseru.-Not one to take a backseat, I called a doctor friend from Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative to inquire about the likelihood of the organization wanting a Peace Corps Volunteer. Simply put, I was drained, needed a change, and was looking for something more appropriate involving my educational background. Long story short, Baylor asked for my resume, sent it to their headquarters in Houston, I received word of their interest in “hiring” me, and the process of a Peace Corps site change began. -After months of back and forth delays, I have finally moved to Maseru and begun some of the most remarkable and fulfilling work since my arrival in Lesotho a year and half ago. The following may provide some clarification in regards to my role at my new job.-Brief Description of the OrganizationBaylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation – Lesotho has been in operation since 2005. Like that of its parent organization, Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, the Foundation's mission is to conduct a program of high quality, high impact, highly ethical paediatric and family HIV/AIDS care and treatment, health professional training, and clinical research. The Foundation runs the largest programme for HIV exposed and infected children and their families in Lesotho, including the Baylor College of Medicine / Bristol Myers Squibb Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence (COE) in Maseru, and outreach sites and Satellite Centres of Excellence throughout the country.-Brief Description of Short and Long Term PlansCurrently, the Foundation operates several psychosocial support programs for Adolescents at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Maseru. These include a weekly Adolescent Clinic, monthly support groups for 10-13 year old and 14-17 year old young people (Teen Club), and an annual week-long camp (Camp ‘Mamohato) for adolescents in collaboration with other clinics and with funding and programming support from Sentebale (Prince Harry’s Organization). Social Workers at the COE also provide ongoing counselling services and comprehensive psychosocial support for children, adolescents, and families on issues related to the impact of HIV/AIDS within families and communities.-Short-term plans for the upgrade of these programmes include the expansion of Teen Club activities through development of a curriculum incorporating life skills, HIV education, positive living skills and educational games for our 10-13 and 14-17 year old groups; expansion of activities and education sessions for caregivers of adolescent patients (through bi-annual Caregiver Days); and the establishment of Teen Clubs to Satellite Centres of Excellence which are currently under construction in all 10 districts of Lesotho (the first, in Qacha’s Nek, is already in operation; the second, in Leribe, is scheduled for opening in January 2010). In addition, Camp ‘Mamohato activities will be expanded by increasing from once to twice per year, and by the implementation of a monitoring and evaluation plan to document the benefits of camp participation amongst adolescent patients. -Long-term plans for the upgrade of BCMCF-Lesotho’s psychosocial support activities include the ongoing training and mentorship of counsellors, social workers, and nurses to provide comprehensive counselling and support services for HIV infected and affected children and adolescents at the COE and Satellite Centres of Excellence. Ongoing comprehensive support must be provided for children and families on issues such as disclosure of HIV status to children and young adults, dealing with sexual assault and domestic violence, the importance of adherence to medications and clinic visits, grief and bereavement, mental health issues, etc. Training and mentorship of counsellors, social workers, and nurses will build capacity throughout the Districts of Lesotho in order to improve the provision of comprehensive and family-focused support services for those affected. In addition, inclusion of providers at health centres throughout these districts in these capacity-building activities will ensure that comprehensive services are more readily available and accessible for all families at sites close to their homes. -A Few of My Specific Roles at Baylor Curriculum development for Teen Club programming for 10-13 and 14-17 year olds (in collaboration with BCMCF-L physicians) Coordination and support for the establishment of Teen Clubs at Satellite Centres of Excellence in Qacha’s Nek, Leribe, and other sites as established (in collaboration with BCMCF-L personnel) Assistance with planning of Camp ‘Mamohato programming and a monitoring and evaluation framework, along with personnel from BCMCF-L, Sentebale, and Hole in the Wall Camps Assessment of the baseline knowledge and training needs of COE and Satellite COE personnel on the provision of comprehensive psychosocial support and counselling services for enrolled patients Capacity building for the provision of comprehensive psychosocial support services among providers and the COE and Satellite COEs through didactic training, workshops, and ongoing mentorship as needed

Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti, I've felt increasing concern for those individuals who are infected with HIV/AIDS in that part of the world. The Caribbean has HIV rates second only to those of Sub-Saharan Africa and of those, Haiti has the highest in the Caribbean. Antiretrovirals, the medications that suppresses the HI-virus in infected individuals, are meant to be taken twice daily. With limited access to drugs because of the chaotic situation, many people are not able to adhere to their proper treatment regimen. As such, there is a real fear that their bodies are building resistance to the medication, rendering later treatment ineffective. Having said that, there are several organizations across the globe who are building their forces in effort to combat this very issue. While most aid donations come in the form of money or voluntary services, there has been an ongoing effort by the NGO Aid for AIDS International (AFA) that involves HIV medication recycling via drop-off points across the US. The process involves "gathering, sorting, and storing unused medicines before their expiration date, discarding what is no longer viable and redistributing these medicines to non-US territories as humanitarian aid." For more information, check out the their website.

The past several days have been rather hectic with the start of my new job and the preparations for the upcoming Health Volunteers training. As part of their training, they have requested the latest information regarding all-things-health. At the end of last year, the World Health Organization released their latest statistics and I have compiled a document for training summarizing the most relevant findings for PCVs here in Lesotho. I have offered a comparison of our host country to both South Africa and the USA. Check 'em out!- Children Less than 5 Years Underweight for Age (%) Lesotho = 16.6% South Africa= No Data USA= 1.3% Under 5 Mortality Rate (Probability of Dying by Age 5 per 1000 Live Births) Lesotho= 84 South Africa= 59 USA= 8 Measles Immunization Coverage Among 1-Year Olds (%) Lesotho= 85% South Africa= 83% USA= 93% Maternal Mortality Ratio (per 100,000 Live Births) Lesotho= 960 South Africa= 400 USA= 11 Births Attended by Skilled Health Personnel (%) Lesotho= 55% South Africa= 91% USA= 99% Contraceptive Prevalence (%) Lesotho=37.3% South Africa= 60.3% USA= 72.8% Adolescent Fertility Rate (per 1000 Girls Aged 15-19 Years) Lesotho= 98 South Africa= 54 USA= 41 Antenatal Care Coverage (%): at Least 1 Visit Lesotho= 90% South Africa= 92% USA= No Data Unmet Need for Family Planning Lesotho= 30.9% South Africa= No Data USA= No Data Prevalence of HIV Among Adults Aged 15 or Greater per 100,000 Population Lesotho= 21,548 South Africa= 16,293 USA= 452 Proportion of Males Aged 15-24 Yrs with Comprehensive Correct Knowledge of HIV/AIDS (%) Lesotho= 19% South Africa= No Data USA= No Data Proportion of Females Aged 15-24 Yrs with Comprehensive Correct Knowledge of HIV/AIDS (%) Lesotho= 27% South Africa= No Data USA= No Data Antiretroviral Therapy Coverage Among People with Advanced HIV Infection (%) Lesotho= 26% South Africa= 28% USA= No Data Malaria Mortality Rate per 100,000 Population Lesotho= No Data South Africa=

UNAIDS strongly welcomes the elimination of travel restrictions based on HIV status by the Republic of Korea, effective 1 January 2010. It also commends the United States for full implementation of the final rule that removes entry restrictions which means that travellers living with HIV can freely enter the United States of America as of today.

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United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated President Lee Myung-bak on the Republic of Korea’s decision. “I applaud President Lee for his country’s leadership in ending restrictions towards people living with HIV that have no public health benefit,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. - “I repeat my call to all other countries with such discriminatory restrictions to take steps to remove them at the earliest.”

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The Secretary-General also congratulated President Barack Obama when the US policy change was announced in October 2009. Today's removal of HIV-related entry, stay and residence restrictions, or "travel ban" as it was known, in the United States overturns a policy that had been in place since 1987.

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UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé also hailed the United States and the Republic of Korea for ending entry restrictions towards people living with HIV, calling the policy changes "a victory for human rights on two sides of the globe." - "I call for global freedom of movement for people living with HIV in 2010, the year when countries have committed to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support," said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé.

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"Let no country obstruct someone because of their HIV status. Such discrimination has no place in today's highly mobile world," Mr Sidibé continued. - Some 57 countries, territories and areas have some form of HIV-specific restriction on entry, stay and residence that is based on HIV status. These include those that completely ban entry of HIV positive people for any reason or length of stay; and/or are applied to visa applications for very short stays (e.g. tourist visas); and/or are applied to visa applications for longer stays (visas for residency, immigration, asylum or resettlement, study, international employment, and consular service). Such restrictions, strongly opposed by UNAIDS, are discriminatory and do not protect public health.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2010!

Last week Aaron and I returned from spending the holidays in Cape Town, South Africa. Talk about feeling far away from Lesotho! We began our adventures in the beautiful wine country of Stellenbosch, drove to coastal Simonstown, twisted through the mountainous coast, and eventually ended in Cape Town. Highlights of Holidays 2009 (Stellenbosch, Simonstown, Cape Town) * Immigration issues on day 1. No worries, we’re back in country safe and sound!* Driving again, on the left side of the road. * Hummus, hummus, pita, and more hummus.* Rustenburg and Morgenhof Vineyards. * Foods: Cuban, Indian, Mexican, Ethiopian, American, Italian, Seafood, Subway, wraps. * Gelato & Fire and Ice milkshakes. * Room service! * Black versus white South African craft markets. Huge difference! * Jackass penguins on the beach. * Sleeping in a convent. * Facial paralysis. * The secret garden. * 6 movies at a theater, walking out on one. Don’t waste your money on Paranormal Activity.* Bad Astronomy at the Planetarium. * Cape Town Science Museum. * Running in the rain. * National Art Gallery and learning about Dada. * Hike up to lighthouse at Cape of Good Hope. * Playing with curious monkeys at World of Birds.* Observing mating turtles for longer than was necessary. * Near-death experience from large falling tree branches. * District 6 museum and other apartheid history lessons. * CATS the musical- genius! * Bookstores galore.* No public transport! Four stars for airplanes and rental cars.* Cable car and Table Mountain. Unfortunately with no view due to weather. * Robben Island, meeting a political prisoner, and Nelson Mandela’s cell. * Jolly Roger pirate boat ride and skit. Ahoy! * Long Street and shopping at every corner. * Cupcakes. * Air-conditioning. * Playful seals on the docks. * The “Labia” movie theater. (Why?) * Cape Town Aquarium. * Fire and Ice Hotel, not all dissimilar from the Starship Enterprise. * Christmas dinner and rose petals. Oops! * 8 inch fake gold Christmas tree with red bow and Christmas crackers. * Amazing views with wonderful company.* Unlimited showers with hot water. * Crystal clear Atlantic Ocean waters. * And forgetting about Peace Corps for a couple of weeks- Priceless! Pictures are now on Picasa. Enjoy!

ZAMBIA.

I feel like a bit of a phony by saying that I’ve been to Zambia because I had little opportunity to experience much of anything outside the lodge where our workshop was held. The heart of visiting any country, for me, is getting to know the people, the culture, and the way of life. Unfortunately I did not encounter any of that except for food- game animals galore at every meal! Granted, the lodge was located on the outskirts of Lusaka and situated within acres and acres of vast game reserve, a pristine setting that could no doubt rival scenes from any Hollywood flick. When we were allotted free time, I never hesitated to hop in the safari vehicle for a game drive, go for a boat ride, or take a tour of the cheese factory nearby. The workshop itself was educational and it reminded me a lot of several research classes I attended in graduate school. My favorite session was presented by a doctor from the states and dealt with biomedical interventions in HIV/AIDS with a particular emphasis on significant clinical trials occurring at present. I must admit that I miss the stimulation of a classroom setting.

THANKSGIVING.

Yet another holiday has come and gone in Lesotho. This year for Turkey Day, nearly 30 Volunteers made the 5 hour long bus passage on predominantly unpaved road to Semonkong Lodge, arguably one of the most beautiful places in the country. Aside from sheer serenity, the lodge offers abseiling, hikes to waterfalls, pony trekking, donkey pub crawling, fly fishing, and more. I ended up with intense gastrointestinal issues (accredited to the wrath of Zambia) so I actually didn’t do much of anything except hang out in the bathroom, fly fish, and participate in the PCV Make-Your-Own-Boat-Out-Of-Natural-Materials Race. Shouting “Get a Stick!” and a handful of people falling in the river were definitely highlights ;-) For the actual holiday, the lodge’s chef prepared a beautiful traditional Thanksgiving meal complete with pumpkin pie and ice cream. For fear of not being able to hold it down, I passed my portions on to Aaron who did a magnificent job at making America proud- I’m pretty sure he ingested every last bite. Mark my words- next year I’m slaughtering my own turkey just to say I did.

PICTURES ARE NOW AVAILABLE.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to attend an HIV/AIDS workshop in Lusaka, Zambia from November 16-20 with two Peace Corps staff members. Upon my return to Lesotho, I will relay the messages received to both the HIV/AIDS Committee and the greater Peace Corps Lesotho community. For those who are interested, the curricula of the week long seminar is as follows:

-Overview of Effective HIV Prevention Interventions Presented by: The National Network of STD HIV Prevention Training Centers

(California STD/HIV Prevention Training Center, University of California, San Francisco

and Denver STD/HIV Prevention Training Center, Denver Public Health/University of Colorado Denver) -

In partnership with: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Global AIDS Program, The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief -Participant Agenda

Day 1– Overview of Preventions, Strategies, and Programming

Welcome, Introductions, and Course Background

Prevention Strategies Overview

Using Epidemiological Data to Guide HIV Prevention Decisions

Conducting a Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis

Social Context of Risk

Program Evaluation

Logic Models

Day 2– Behavioral Theories and Their Translation

Behavioral Science

Create Your Own Theory

Formal Theories

Overview of Domains

Understanding Domains

Utilizing Domains in Interventions

Day 3– Levels of Interventions

Levels of Interventions

Overview of Individual Level Interventions

Interventions for Couples and Sexual Partners

Risk Reduction Counseling

Overview of Group Level Interventions

Overview of Community Level Interventions

Skills Needed to Successfully Implement Interventions

Introduction to the Framework Activity – Pulling it All Together

Day 4– Emerging Strategies

Social Marketing and Mass Media Campaigns

Structural Interventions

Prevention with People Living with HIV

Biomedical Interventions

Serving High Risk Groups

Combination Prevention Approaches

Framework Activity – Pulling it All Together, continued

Day 5– Program Evaluation and Planning

Framework Activity – Pulling It All Together

Wrap-up/Course Evaluation