REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM

SUSTAINABILITY HELD ON 14TH -15TH NOVEMBER 2016 AT LIFE LINK ORGANISATION CONFERENCE HALL, AMUWO

ODOFIN, LAGOS

A two days retreat for CSO and community volunteers on skills improvement and

program sustainability was organized by Life Link Organisation with funding from AIDS

Prevention Initiative Nigeria to enable her community volunteersimprove their skills

and to sustain the program in the year5 project year. The retreat was an avenue for the

community volunteers to share experience on successes and accomplishments in the

year 4 project year as well as to gear towards improvement in the year 5 project year

ahead.

DAY ONE:

Day one started at exactly 10: 00 am with an opening prayer by one of the volunteers,

Mr . Sunkanmi Balogun followed by the opening remarks and setting of ground rulesby

all the participants.

The Welcome address was taken by the Senior Account officer of Life link Organisation

Mrs. Abiola Idornigie.

The objectives of the retreat were:

To develop the skills and capacity of LLO staff and her community volunteers.

To reflect on the achievements of APIN year 4 project

To emphasis the importance of Index Care tracking and Home based testing as a

prerequisite to increase positive yield.

To discuss on the modalities of APIN year 5 project.

Participants also shared their expectations among which were:

To improve on their skills and capacity as a community volunteers

To get updated on current trends in HIV counseling and Testing service.

To acquire more knowledge on Index Case tracking and Home Based Care.

To familiarize more on the Year 5 project .

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

This was briefly followed by the administration of pre-test questionnaire and a lecture

on Skills, Characteristics and knowledge of a community volunteer by Mr Michael Essien

of Lagos SACA. During his lecture, Mr Essien took the participants through what makes

a volunteer and the qualities of a volunteer. He talked on Community volunteerism,

experiences with volunteers on the field and the volunteer processes. He further

explained the qualities of a good volunteer where he talked about passion: those that

make the greatest impact in their volunteer work are those that are truly passionate

about their cause and have the ability to share that passion with others. Energy:

Their positive spirit is motivating and inspiring to others, leaving a lasting

impression on the people and communities that they work with. Flexibility:

Volunteering can involve a broad range of tasks, so a willingness to get stuck in and

adapt to what needs doing is an important quality. Volunteers stand out when they can

approach their work with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Again he

mentioned the modes of HIV transmission where the volunteers were made to

understand the importance of stressing the modes of transmission and window period.

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

CROSS SECTION OF PARTICIPANTS DURING THE LECTURE WITH MR ESSIEN

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

CROSS SECTION OF PARTICIPANTS DURING THE LECTURE WITH MR ESSIEN

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

CROSS SECTION OF PARTICIPANTS DURING THE LECTURE WITH MR ESSIEN

At exactly 11:45am, a working tea break was served which brought in the second

lecture on Stress Management-Life/Work balance by Mrs. Philomena Okure of People

Empowerment Organisation. Who took the participants through the process of

work/life balance and how to manage stress/burn out. She defined stress as a normal

psychological and physical reaction to the ever-increasing demands of life.Some stress

are normal and even useful. She said stress can help if you need to work hard or react

quickly. For example, it can help you win a race or finish an important job on time.Stress

can affect you both instantly (acute stress) and over time (chronic stress). She

mentioned the different types of stress as Acute (short-term) stress is the body's

instant response to any situation that seems demanding or dangerous. Your stress level

depends on how intense the stress is, how long it lasts, and how you cope with the

situation. Most of the time, your body recovers quickly from acute stress. But stress can

cause problems if it happens too often or if your body doesn't have a chance to recover.

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

In people with heart problems, acute stress can trigger an abnormal heartbeat

(arrhythmia) or even a heart attack.Chronic (long-term) stress is caused by stressful

situations or events that last over a long period of time. This could include having a

difficult job or dealing with a chronic disease. If you already have a health problem,

stress can make it worse.

She talked on the effects of stress such as fast heartbeat, headache, stiff neck and/or

tight shoulders, Back pain, Fast breathing, Sweating, and sweaty palms, upset stomach,

nausea, or diarrhea.She again mentioned the effect of stress on the bodies which are:

Immune system. Constant stress can make you more likely to get sick more often. And

if you have a chronic illness such as AIDS, stress can make your symptoms worse.Heart-

Stress is linked to high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia), blood clots,

heart attack, and heart failure.Muscles-Constant tension from stress can lead to neck,

shoulder, and low back pain. Stress may make rheumatoid arthritis worse.Stomach-If

you have stomach problems, stress can make your symptoms worse.Reproductive

organs- Stress is linked to low fertility, erection problems, problems during pregnancy,

and painful menstrual periods.Lungs- Stress can make symptoms of asthma and chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. Skin- Skin problems such as acne and

psoriasis are made worse by stress.She mentioned how stress can affect even our

relationships and how to manage stress like Building downtime into your schedule:

When you plan your week, make it a point to schedule time with your family and

friends, and activities that help you recharge.Drop activities that sap your time or

energy.Do not weaste time on activities or people that add no value -- for example,

spending too much time at work with a colleague who is constantly venting and

gossiping and taking stock of activities that don't enhance your career or personal life,

and minimize the time you spend on them.

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

The Stages of development as a community volunteer was taken by Mrs. Ahmed

Ogundipe M.F Health Educator/LACA Manager Alimosho Local Government. She talked

on all a community volunteer needs from Overview of HIV/AIDS, COUNSELLING

PROCESS where she elaborated on the counseling process:

The beginning stage (relationship- building stage to problem identification stage)

What to do

• Greet your client

• Offer him/ her a seat

• Ensure there is no barrier between the counselor and the client e.g table

• Lean forward when talking to client

• Look him/her on the face(not staring)

• Let your face show that you are interested and that you are interested and that

you care

• Establish the reason why client has come

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

• Allow the client to discuss the problem by describing and locating cause(s) and

effects

• Confirm what the counselor can or cannot do

• Assures the client of confidentiality

• Clarifies client’s expression

The middle stage (identify problem solving options)

• Client shares own feelings and views

• Necessary information provided

• Counselor explore client’s behaviour patterns

• Talk about behaviour change

• Plan action towards behaviour change

The end stage (Action plan )

• Summarize proceedings on session

• Work on tasks for behaviour change

• Check on support system

• Refer client if necessary and when ready

• Assure client of your of your availability if wanting to come back

Don’t’s in counseling

• .Don't argue with the clinent

• Don’t advise

• Don’t judge

• Don’t impose your own beliefs system

• Don’t interrupt unnecessarily

• Don’t block strong emotion

• Don’t sympathize

.. Don’ t take responsibility for client’s problem and decision

.. Don’t get emotionally involved

. Don’t use words such as “should and Must

She ended the lecture with explanations on the components of HIV counseling and

Testing which include: Pre-test counseling, HIV testing and Post-test counseling.

During this session she identified the benefits of both pre-test and post-test counseling.

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

The next section was a group work “Working as a community Volunteer-prospects and

challenges. The participants were divided into four (4) groups and each team

nominated a representative from their group to present the outcome of their group

work. The followings were the challenges and Prospects given by the participants:

Challenges

Language barrier

Follow up of positive clients

Lack of community support

Attitude of members of the community

Stress

Harassment from some of the clients who tested positive

Inability to control some clients who emotionally break down when given their

result.

Age barrier

Religion/ Beliefs

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

Cultural beliefs

Refusal to enroll some clients in the facility

Prospects

Team work

Reduction in the spread of HIV/AIDS

Increased number of people aware of their HIV status

Achievement of the 90-90-90

Awareness on the correct and consistent use of condom will be provided

Community mobilization in effectively combatting HIV/AIDS spread

More people will be aware of the modes of transmission of HIV.

More positive clients will have access to care and treatment

Reduction in mortality rate due to HIV

Increased accessibility to HIV testing.

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

After the Lunch Break the M and E officer of Life link Organisation Miss Ofobrukweta

Kevbe gave a brief presentation on the Reflection of APIN year 4 program activities-

Successes, Lesson learnt, challenges and way forward. During this session she identified

the gaps in the year 4 project and emphasized on closing the gaps in order to achieve

better success for the year 5 project.

The retreat was brought to a close at 5:00pm after the closing prayers from one of the

participants.

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

DAY TWO:

Day two of the retreat program commenced at exactly 9:30 am with an opening prayer

by one of the participants, Mr. Ossayi Daniel.

The recap of the Day one retreat program was co-ordinated by the Administrative

officer of Life link organization Ms. Omolola Olumurokun. During this session each

participant gave a brief summary of the previous day one retreat and the lessons which

they learnt. Some of the contributions made by the participants include the following:

I learnt about the benefits of pre-test counseling and how to handle difficult

clients during community work.

The lecture on stress management was an eye opener for me as counselors I now

know the best strategies to curb stress and exhaustion.

As a counselor I now understand the basic skills required to be a great and

excellent community volunteer.

I now understand the important role I play in the community and the nation at

large in reducing the spread of HIV.

Working as a team on the field is paramount for a successful community work

with the key stakeholders.

After this session the M and E officer of life link Organisation Miss Ofobrukweta Kevbe

took the participants on the overview of HIV/AIDS and counseling skills.

A general knowledge on HIV/AIDS was discussed, components of HCT, importance of

adequate pre-test and post-test counseling was emphasized. During the session various

comments and contributions were made. The participants also requested for clarity on

some of the questions.

The next session which is the Qualities of a good counselor was taken by the

Administrative officer of Life link organization Ms. Omolola Olumurokun.

During this session she gave a clear definition of a counselor as somebody, usually a

trained professional, who helps others with their personal or psychological problems.

She then gave the qualities of a good counselor as follows:

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

QUALITIES OF A GOOD COUNSELLOR

Understand all aspects of HIV&AIDS related issues

Possess good communication skills and familiar with counseling techniques

Be able to emphasize

Be accessible and available to clients and be able to deal with their reactions

Maintain confidentially

Be friendly, respectful and honest

Genuine and not judgmental

Possess high level of self-awareness

Be sensitive to peoples’ culture and religion.

After this session the next lecture was carried out Index case tracking, Home based

testing and follow-up. This session was done by the M and E officer of Life link

Organisation Miss Ofobrukweta Kevbe. During this session she emphasized on the

importance of index case tracking as a pre-requisite of increasing positive yields.

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

The following subtopics where discussed:

Definition of Index case tracking

A typical scenario of Index case tracking

Processes involved in Index case tracking

Illustrative genealogy tree diagram of index case effect on the spread of HIV.

Home based testing/follow up

Benefits of Index case tracking and Home based testing/follow up

The next session was on the Challenges faced as a volunteer on the field this Topic was

done by Mrs. Philomena Okure of People Empowerment Organisation. At the beginning

of the lecture she commenced with a brainstorming session with the participants on the

challenges they have faced as a volunteer.

Some of the challenges stated by the participants during this session include the

following:

Stress

Movement of materials to testing site

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

Non co-operation of the community members

Low turnout of clients in some areas

Language barrier

During her lecturer she was able to identify the challenges faced by community

volunteers and educate the participants on how to accept the challenges of

volunteering.

On how to accept challenges the following points was mentioned:

Keep an Open Mind.

Have Realistic Expectations

Modesty, Modesty, Modesty.

Give up the “Necessities.”

Redefine Normal

Share Your Challenges.

You will Not Save the World, but You Can Make a Difference

The next session that followed was on role plays on Pre-test counseling, Post-test

counseling, Index case contact tracing and follow up.

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

During this session the participants were divided into two groups. Group 1 members

acted as the Clients while Group 2 members acted as the Counselor. Representatives

from each of this group participated in the role plays while other members of the group

vetted.

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

REPORT OF A TWO DAYS RETREAT FOR CSO AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ON SKILLS IMPROVEMENT & PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY 2016

The final session of day 2 retreat was taking by the Senior Account officer of Life link

Organisation Mrs. Abiola Idornigie. She informed the participants on the modalities of

APIN year 5 project. She emphasized on the objective of APIN year 5 project is focused

on targeted Testing where positive yield can be achieved the highest. She also told the

volunteers that this year the aim is to achieve 100% enrolment of all positive clients.

She informed the participants that there will be increased emphasis on Index case

tracking as a pre-requisite so as to reduce new cases of infection to a minimal level.

The retreat was brought to a close at 3:00pm after the closing prayers from one of the

participants.