PDM 2008 kicks off with a high-spirited summer school

At this year’s annual PDM summer school no time was wasted in tackling the HIV bull by the horns. This year’s programme, from 14 to 18 January, was filled with topical and empowering lectures on HIV and AIDS management, fun activities and a new cultural surprise addition.

After a short welcome, the 223 students were briefed on the basic issues relating to the pandemic, such as the impact of HIV and AIDS on the economy, moral and social complexities, fear, stigma and isolation. The diverse group came from all over Africa, as well as countries such as Sweden, Germany and Nepal. For many of the students, the summer school was their first visit to South Africa. The day ended with an opening function at the HB Thom Theatre, featuring a host of talented musicians as well as the Africa Institute’s educational mini-musical Lucky, The Hero!. This was the first time a concert was included as part of the programme.

“It was a very successful evening,” said Prof Jimmie Earl Perry, Director of Educational Theatre and Creative Arts. “The show was presented professionally and in a relaxed milieu, with a generously positive response.” He added that the community mobilisation module of the academic programme is given a face regarding the possibilities of disseminating information through the medium of creative arts. This is recognised as effectively educating and motivating individuals and communities in developmental issues. The performing artists included Jimmie, Kunjalo and Rouchelle Liedemann. Nombeko Mpongo, who has been living with HIV since 1997, also delivered an inspirational message.

The rest of the summer school included lectures on different aspects relating to HIV and AIDS in the workplace. These included policy debates, life skills education, peer group training and strategic HR management. The Africa Centre utilises some of the best lecturers in the field of HIV and AIDS in presenting the programme, such as Dr Gert van Zyl (pathologist in medical virology at Tygerberg Hospital), Prof Geoffrey Setswe (chief research specialist in the social aspect of HIV and AIDS) and Dr Anton Schlechter (senior lecturer at UCT). Dr Schlechter has been involved with the programme since the planning and conceptualising phase in 2000: “I have seen the PDM grow from an idea in one or two heads to the success it is now and I am grateful that I could have been part of this.”

To give students the opportunity to get to know one another and engage in social networking, the week included a campus braai and a visit to Cape Town, giving students from outside South Africa the opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of the area.

The organisers and lecturers are more than satisfied with the programme and the growth it has shown throughout the years. “This year’s summer school lived up to all our expectations,” said Prof Jan du Toit, Director of the Africa Centre. “We have been running this programme for eight years and we’ve learned from the experience, adapting the programme and involving new lecturers.”

There is no doubt about the substantial impact of the PDM course. “One of the greatest contributions of the course is that it actually builds capacity within the country, the continent and the world,” said Dr Schlechter. “It does not only get people motivated to want to help and do something, but gives them the tools to really make a difference.”

Prof Perry shares the sentiment: “Any event (academic or social) that brings diverse people into a united realm of similar thinking and focused goals, will surely impact any situation, especially HIV and AIDS. South Africa has extraordinary and competent people who, when united in a proactive direction, can ignite great changes.”

The positive attitude of the students validates the sentiment of the organisers. “The reason I entered the course is to make a difference in the community where I live, as there is quite a high prevalence rate in the Caprivi region where I come from,” said Isa Garba, an IT consultant from Namibia. “I wish to use the qualification as an HIV and AIDS consultant and to motivate people to change their behaviour.”

Siphiwou Ndlovu, a dentist from Botswana, believes she will empowered to make a difference in her country: “From personal experience I know that government policies regarding HIV and AIDS mostly exist only in theory. There is no support system, but there is a need for HIV and AIDS facilities.”

“I am going to motivate the whole of Limpopo to enter the course when I go back to my province!” said Audrey Morema, a professional nurse.

It seems that, after eight years of successfully training people in HIV and AIDS management, word of the course will keep on spreading: