Yes I am extremely excited, happy and grateful but at the same time I am stressed and overwhelmed. Maybe because this is my first major trip outside of Canada or because I am helping to promote such a prevalent health issue (HIV/AIDS) and want to make sure that I do my best. Whatever the reason... I still have a lot to do before my departure. Lets see at the moment here my major priorities:
- Visa (in the process)
- Flight (in the process) - After endless weeks of searching have finally found a cheap and affordable price ($1500)
- Reading up on HIV/AIDS and preparing workshop/session materials (in the process) - I have made a wonderful binder with the given modules and other materials!
- Shots (check)
- Setting up blog (check)
- Renew passport (check)
- Arranging contact list for when I arrive and accommodations (in the process)
Looking at the above list, I still have a lot left to do. But all this pre-stress is definitely worth the experience. So what exactly will I be doing? In a nutshell I will be working with AIESEC Abidjan and their ASK program to research, develop and facilitate HIV/AIDS awareness workshops/sessions to college and high school students. As well, I will be working with Le Soutien (a non profit organization that care for orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV /AIDS through an association of donators, awareness events, etc.)
To learn about Le Soutien please refer to their site: http://www.lesoutien.org/I am honored to be volunteering with this NGO and cannot wait to learn and experience more about the organization.
Hopefully reading this blog will let you experience the same things I am going through on the other side of the world. And along the way help you to learn more about HIV/AIDS, Le Soutien, AIESEC and the ASK program and the wonderful city of Abidjan. Thus starts the blogging about my first crazy and most fulfilling adventure!
