During 2012, the Shalom Care Center in Papua New Guinea conducted different workshops based on the main focus of the National HIV and AIDS Strategy for 2011-2015.
- Workshops on Prevention, Addressing HIV and its driving forces, and abuse of alcohol and drugs were presented for three different youth groups reaching a total of 80 young people.
- The Shalom Center staff was also invited to speak during the Jiwaka Youth Rally.
- Several Life skill trainings have been offered at Shalom Center for both men and women who are HIV positive during the last two years.
In depth counseling was provided for 50 HIV positive people who came and stayed at the Care Center for two weeks. These people received care and love during their stay and regained strength, hope and some healing during their stay, according to Sr. Regina Marie Wamp.
Shalom offered art classes for 37 people. The sisters have observed that art classes provide an outlet for their HIV friends as they seek a deeper meaning in life, new direction and values.
Shalom Center had a “Celebrate Life Week” (from November 27 – December 1 2012) for 60 HIV people and their families. A candlelight memorial service was held on the eve of World Aids Day to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS.
Education – learning Pidgin: An HIV positive mother teaches Shalom Center participants Pidgin three times a week. Learning to read and write in Pidgin is the goal as well as learning to read the Bible and skills training.
Sr. Regina Marie Wamp also reports that the volunteers in Shalom gardens contributed to the success of the year.
by Dreamhost