First post of April

I’ve been finding it difficult to write blog posts, I think because I’ve become so accustomed to life here that nothing seems interesting enough to write about. That’s not to say that things are boring; rather, life here (for the most part) feels very routine and normal, and I can’t imagine that anybody would want to read about it. That said, I’ll try to update you on what’s been happening here lately.

Last Friday, MEEP data was due. My understanding is that twice a year, all USAID-funded programs are required to report MEEP data, which basically is a report of the number of clients given care through our program. So we have to report on how many clients receive clinical services, nutritional care, HIV medications, psychosocial support, etc. Since all of our community caregivers (CCGs) have forms that they are supposed to be filling out thoroughly and regularly, in theory, reporting these numbers should be quick and easy. However, the reality is much different, as only some of the forms are actually filled out, and even if they are filled out, the faith/community-based organizations (FCBOs) that the CCGs report to often have not entered the hard copies of the forms into the databases on their computers. Many of the FCBOs are working very hard and have entered most of the forms, but others have fallen behind. For this reason, we decided that the easiest way to collect the MEEP data this time was to bypass all of the forms we’ve created and instead, go straight to the CCGs in the communities. We printed out templates for each CCG, and delegated the responsibility to the FCBOs to go and meet with their CCGs and collect the data directly from the source. For example, a member of the FCBO would meet a CCG and ask them, “How many people living with HIV/AIDS do you serve? How many of them have received at least one clinical service? How many of them have you given nutritional support to?” These numbers then have to be broken down by sex and age. This method worked out fairly well, and we got the information back from the FCBOs promptly. I then entered all of the data into the MEEP template and sent it off to our program manager on Friday. This whole process has been a huge learning experience, and once again reinforces how important it is to monitor a program. Sitting in front of a computer all day is not exactly my favorite thing, but I realize how important it is to get this information entered and up to date. I’m also still helping one of our FCBOs, SACS (Sembabule Aids Counseling Services) to enter their forms in order to bring their database up to date… it’s a long process, but it will be very satisfying once all the forms are entered. I’ve entered about 400 forms so far, which is probably about half the number that needs to be entered in total.

This week the program manager is coming to Sembabule to observe our on-the-ground support supervision, as well as the quarterly review meeting with our FCBOs tomorrow. At that meeting, I’ll be answering questions and giving support to the FCBOs regarding (you guessed it) their data collection process.

What else… last week, for reasons unknown to everyone I ask, we had a water shortage, so I couldn’t wash my hair for five days, which I think is a personal record. Bringing dry shampoo with me was a good choice (thanks, salesgirl at Ulta!). It’s been raining almost every day here, and the temperatures fluctuate but overall it’s been comfortable and not too hot. There seems to be a giant moth convention in town that I was unaware of, because there are moths (some small, some with a five inch wingspan… yikes) everywhere. They like to hang out in my room and dive-bomb my face when I’m outside at night, which is pleasant and not at all creepy.

As per usual, I had a nice, quiet weekend here in Sembabule. Since we had water, I did a ton of laundry that had been piling up, which always makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something. I watched a few movies (Stepmom, Notting Hill… it was a Julia Roberts weekend) and I’m currently reading “Sepulchre” by Kate Mosse. If anybody can tell me how to properly pronounce the title of that book, I’ll bring you back a present. I ate 2/3 of a pineapple yesterday, so that’s always fun. My plans for today include finishing the last third of it. It’s good to have goals.