HOME-CARE TEAM

Although I don't have pictures right now, I just wanted to give an update about what is going on with the Home-care Team (where I actually spend most of my time at Refilwe). The government has decided to fund our project for another year, which is great news. So, we have been able to increase our numbers to 19. The past 2 months has been primarily training to prepare them for doing counseling and testing of HIV in the communities. Because of the stigma that is so prevalent in these areas, we have changed our focus to educating and testing for chronic diseases. So, when we go out to areas, we educate and test for Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. We are still waiting for a few final details to begin with the HIV testing, but we have started testing for the other chronic diseases. We continue to do home visits to clients who are sick, orphans, and other people who need social work assistance. We are hoping to move into some new communities that seem to have a greater need than the four informal settlements that we visit now. This is where we are at now and I will give you updates as we proceed. You can pray specifically for:
* Training to be finalized (the team has to retake a test that will enable them to do HIV counseling).
* Communities to be responsive to the education and testing that we hope to do.
* Good communication between Refilwe and community leaders to promote cooperation.
* MOTIVATION of the home-care team to do a good job and be passionate about the work they are doing at Refilwe.