When I first saw the module, I was impressed how the teachers spoke so easily from memory. I appreciated the way the module was simplified and didn’t rely on heavy science to describe HIV. My favorite part of the module, which I had not seen before in other types of health education, was the empowerment aspect of it seen in the FACTS and LUCK sections. From the first time the module was performed in class, I had positive impressions of the module but was apprehensive of how I could effectively present it given my lack of experience with HIV.
When we broke into groups to practice the module, I sensed that other students shared similar apprehensions as my own. With time, some of this anxious energy dissipated, and I became more confident in delivering the module. As we were practicing, we each were assigned a section to teach at our site, and I was given the LUCK section to teach. When I learned that we would be teaching the module at HELP to all HIV positive individuals, I once again felt anxious. After all, they were the ones who understood HIV better than any of us ever would; they live with the diagnosis every single day. Because LUCK is a less factual section compared to the blood or prevention sections, and is more about the emotional implications of HIV, I was worried that this would be a sensitive section for an HIV positive population.
Their willingness to share allowed the experience to be incredibly enlightening for us as teachers. I saw how the module is a tool to empower others, and even more so for those living with HIV. The clients were able to use the module as a framework to speak out about their personal HIV experiences. It was moving to hear one client express the stigma surround HIV that he has experienced since his diagnosis. He told us situations where he felt isolated because of HIV. For example, he told of a particular time when his aunt was afraid to share food with him. From his first hand experience, this client was able to attest to the psychosocial implications of HIV that derives from the fear of HIV/AIDS. Though I could teach about LUCK, these clients actually know how it feels to be ostracized from their friends and family without this love, understanding, caring, and kindness. In this instance, I saw how this module empowers people in the way it gives them the opportunity to confront difficult feelings and share them with others. It helps them to reduce stigma that is damaging to their self-esteem and self-love.
The graduation ceremony was the perfect demonstration of empowerment. One HELP client found out devastating news of his brother passing away in the middle of the ceremony. Through tearing eyes, Stafford claimed how he would be okay. He explained how this was the ideal community to be in after learning of the devastating news. His reliance on this community shows how the experience lifted him up and empowered him. Because his experience with the module. He belonged to a community that told him he was important, to a community that trusted him and supported him. This support gave him the strength to cope with the difficult news. It was a powerful moment to witness and a fitting way for the semester to end. Stafford exemplified how empowerment is tool against sadness and defeat. He showed me that empowerment is hope.
