Global Awareness Programme

33 Million People are living with HIV. The response to AIDS depends on the strength of individulas and communities. This is your chance to make a difference! The Global Awareness Programme is an exciting training, volunteering and awareness programme focussing on HIV&AIDS.  Each year 4 people are chosen to participate on this partially funded programme. If you think this is the programme for you, have a look at the three steps of the Global Awareness Process and apply by the 20th of March 2012!

Please note: Due to the current situation in Nigeria, the 4 Global Awareness Volunteers will volunteer in South Africa this year.Participants might have the choice to opt for the programme in Nigeria if the safety situation improves.

 Global Awareness 2011: Ciara O'Meara,a nurse from Cork, administering drugs to a new born baby in Nigeria! Many hospitals dont have the supplies while many clients won't disclose their HIV status because of stigma and fear of social isolation.Step 1: Training

The training stage (May- June) aims to familiarise the volunteers with the goals of the Global Awareness Programme and give them the basic skills and resources they need to be effective in-country. Therefore as a participant on the programme you will attend:

  • 1/2 day visit Open Heart House to get an overview of the HIV&AIDS reality in Ireland (Date TBC, Dublin)
  • 1 day introduction to the programme including workshops on development issues and tips & ideas for fundraising (Saturday, 28th of May Cork)
  • 1/2 day workshop on media, campaigning and awareness raising skills (Date TBC, Dublin)
  • 1 day debriefing workshop on return (Date TBC, Dublin)

Step 2: Volunteering in South Africa for 8 weeks (June - September)Global Awareness Programme South Africa: Danielle Rosenberg Polak and Qiqa Mcilong at an HIV&AIDS awareness talk with children in Freedom Farm township.

Volunteering internationally is a unique cross-cultural experience. Working with local community organisations in South Africa or Nigeria you will be helping in the fight against the spread of HIV&AIDS. The start date is flexible, however the placement period is between mid June and mid September. Once there you will:

  • Take part in an orientation training upon arrival
  •  Volunteer in a HIV&AIDS local project
  • Gathering materials & stories for your awareness raising campaign in Ireland
  • Live with a local family
  • Be supported by in-country sta

Typical volunteer activities in a care and support project in South Africa:

                                                        
  • Facilitating workshops on HIV&AIDS awareness in schools, colleges, community group.                                                     
  • Support in facilitating group meetings
  • Gather stories               
  • Support to staff and local volunteers
Global Awareness programme 2011: Danielle Rosenberg Polak from Co. Kerry with co-worker and children of a community in a township in Cape Town.

Step 3: Awareness raising in Ireland

Step 3: Awareness raising in Ireland

The Awareness raising campaign is the key aspect of the EIL Global Awareness Programme. HIV&AIDS is not solely a Developing Countries' or isolated issue. Positive social action involves considerable shifts in Western thinking as well as government policy. Stigma and discrimination remain a huge challenge.

Barry raising his pupils awareness of HIV&AIDS: Barry raising his pupils awareness of HIV&AIDS (5th Class Tyrrelstown Educate Together National School)

From the beginning you will be encouraged to plan and implement an awareness-raising campaign, thinking about how you could involve members of your communities in your experience before, during and after the overseas element. As a participant on the EIL Global Awareness Programme you will be well positioned to lead sustained and focused public engagement around HIV&AIDS in Ireland, giving voice to the stories of the people you have being living and working with overseas.

Past participants have been engaged in organising many different activities to promote awareness of HIV related issues and fundraise. This included facilitating workshops in schools and local communities, giving talks, organising quiz on HIV&AIDS issues, organising coffee events writing articles to local newspapers. In 2010, volunteers organised an itinerant photo-exhibition. The programme is partially funded by EIL and Irish Aid.

How to apply

To apply, fill in the application PDF / Word  and please include 2 pictures, CV and submit one of the following:

EITHER:          You have organised a t alk at a local school about your experiences on the HIV&AIDS project in Nigeria/South Africa to raise awareness about the issues. Give an outline of how this school presentation might look. *

OR:              Write a short essay about the importance of raising awareness about HIV/AIDS in Ireland and how you would go about this on your return. *

Send the application, outline or essay, pictures and CV back in hardcopy by the 20th of March to:

Global Awareness Programme
EIL Intercultural Learning
1, Empress Place
Summerhill North
Cork

*outline /essay should be no more than.5 page

Apllications for 2012 are now open. An adjudication panel will select the nominees who are most suitable. Nominees will be invited to attend interviews in Dublin on the 21st April 2012. The results will be announced in early May 2012.

For more info email caterina@eilireland.org or call Caterina on 1850 292939.

Is it for you?

  • Are you over 18 years of age?
  • Are you committed to learning and to helping others learn more about HIV&AIDS?
  • Are you flexible and eager to learn about another culture?
  • Are you willing to make a positive contribution to communities in South Africa or Nigeria and Ireland?

No special skills or qualifications are required, but a commitment to challenge peoples’ attitudes about HIV&AIDS and take action on a global crisis is essential!

Costs

Participants will receive a grant from EIL to cover a substantial part of the costs. This is a co-funded programme and each participant will be asked to raise €1500 to cover the remaining costs. Costs include Dtalk Course on HIV&AIDS, media&campaigning training, pre-departure and debriefing workshops, flights, insurance, programme costs relating to the project, host family accommodation, in-country support for the duration of your placement and support from EIL staff during the whole programme.

Blogs

Blogs: 

Coming to the end of our South African experience

AislingEgan
17 Aug 2011 - 12:46pm

As our final week here in South Africa looms, special moments and memories have already formed. After spending time with the NGO, we then moved on the HIV and AIDS Clinic, where we are volunteering now. This is a day hospital with a special ARV unit (the medication taken when you are HIV+ and your CD4 count is less than 250). The unit is divided into sections where there are doctors, counsellors, nutritionists and personal advocates. All of them are there to help and support clients who have contracted HIV.

My experience in a HIV and AIDS clinic

Danielle-RP
7 Aug 2011 - 8:27am

Today felt like an “Irish Day” here in South Africa as the sky clouded over with grey mist and heavy rainfall. However, this rainfall was a blessing for the South Africans as it allowed the reservoirs and lakes to fill with fresh water to prepare for the annual drought of the Summer to follow. People seemed quite happy with the change in the weather pattern from the last month of blistering sun and dry earth to a more damp, wet and cold atmosphere.

From Touchdown to Today! Time is just flying on an amazing experience!!

Ceire
3 Aug 2011 - 8:47am

Apologies for my delay in this blog! It's all thanks to a dibble of malaria and 5 million lost blogs in one dodgy internet cafe!!

First three weeks!

Danielle-RP
25 Jul 2011 - 7:35am

It is hard to believe that three weeks has passed by already! While there are times when it feels like both Aisling and I have been here for much longer, there are other moments when it feels like each day passes us by so quickly.

For the past three weeks we have been working with an organisation called Sothemba AIDS Action, which focuses on raising awareness of HIV & AIDS in Cape Town. It is a small organisation based in the suburbs of Bellville just outside of the city in Cape Town. It consists of three full time staff and seven part time staff.

First three weeks!

Danielle-RP
25 Jul 2011 - 7:35am

It is hard to believe that three weeks has passed by already! While there are times when it feels like both Aisling and I have been here for much longer, there are other moments when it feels like each day passes us by so quickly.

For the past three weeks we have been working with an organisation called Sothemba AIDS Action, which focuses on raising awareness of HIV & AIDS in Cape Town. It is a small organisation based in the suburbs of Bellville just outside of the city in Cape Town. It consists of three full time staff and seven part time staff.

3 Weeks into the Global Awareness Programme in South Africa

AislingEgan
23 Jul 2011 - 1:51pm

Just about three weeks here and wow, what a whirlwind it has been. We arrived in Cape Town to be greeted by a member of SASTS and were orientated at a volunteer house for one night. The big thing about South Africans is their sense of time, everyone is very laid back along with being super friendly. We then were transported to our host family where we were greeted by a big family of a grandma, grandpa, their daughter and her husband and their three young children.

Week One: Orientation in Ibadan

Aine Carroll
9 Jul 2011 - 9:45am

Hi folks, just wanted to give a quick update on how myself and Ciara are getting on in Nigeria, almost a week in. We have just finished orientation with SYTO Nigeria in Ibadan and we have settled in nicely to the pace of life here. So much to see and do and think about - Nigeria is an unbelievably diverse, complex and friendly place. Yesterday we were taken to the mosque by our guide who is a Muslim and we prayed with the congregation, having done the ritual washing before we entered the place of worship.

1) Pre-Departure - GAP volunteer: Aisling Egan

AislingEgan
1 Jul 2011 - 2:36pm

I still find it crazy to think I am one of the four taking part in the Global Awareness Programme yet here I am packing the last of my bits and pieces and saying goodbyes. Winning this award has already had such an amazing positive impact on me. Danielle and I are going to South Africa while Aine and Ciara will be taking on Nigeria.

Pre-Departure Thoughts

Danielle-RP
30 Jun 2011 - 9:05am

In two days time I will leave for South Africa to volunteer with EIL as part of their Global Awareness Programme in Cape Town. I am extremely humbled by the fact that EIL Ireland offered me the opportunity to work with their partner organisations in South Africa who aim to raise awareness of HIV & AIDS with both youths and adults. I am really looking forward to working with these organisations and I am also very enthusiastic at the prospect of being able to learn more about the issues of HIV & AIDS in South Africa and in Ireland also.

Global Awareness Pre Departure: why I can't stop pinching myself...

Aine Carroll
28 Jun 2011 - 11:40am

This is my first blogpost ever, one of the many new things I am learning thanks to winning a travel award from EIL. Just one more week now before I depart for Nigeria to complete the second leg of the programme, having just completed the first. I am nervous and excited in equally healthy doses and can't help but feel compelled and inspired by the work that EIL have put into developing this incredible programme - the Global Awareness Programme.

Testimonials: 

GAP volunteer Maeve Galvin discusses her experiences on East Coast FM

29 Sep 2010 - 4:28pm

East Coast FM's Declan Meehan interviewed Maeve Galvin upon her return to Ireland after spending a month in Nigeria volunteering to raise awareness of HIV&AIDS. As part of the Global Awareness Programme Meave will now be raising awarness of HIV&AIDS here in Ireland.

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GAP volunteer Maeve Galvin interviewed on East Coast FM

8 Jun 2010 - 9:07am

East Coast FM's Declan Meehan interviewed Maeve Galvin discussing her thoughts and expectations on taking part in EIL's Global Awareness Programme. After training here in Ireland Maeve will be travelling to Nigeria in late June to work on the ground with local NGOs. On her return to she'll spread awareness of HIV&AIDS issues here in Ireland.

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GAP participants interviewed on Newstalk's Global Village

26 Nov 2009 - 5:37pm

On the 24th October 2009 Ciara Cunningham, Karen Reidy and Lynda Piper Roche were interviewed on Newstalk's Global Village, where they discused there experiences on EIL's Global Awareness Progamme. You can listen to the interview here:

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Karen, Global Awareness Volunteer 09 in Nigeria

7 Jul 2009 - 1:03pm

This is just a short email as my internet time is extremely limited
over here.Just wanted to let you know that I'm getting on fine. My
host family are really nice and...

GAP volunteer Amy Mc Govern's journal, entry 3

19 Jan 2009 - 10:03pm

I have been asked many times if working at Thembacare was difficult or depressing. My answer is that the work at Thembacare is uplifting. It fills you with hope and optimism in the face of the difficult and depressing challenges we are up against, those of HIV and AIDS.

GAP volunteer Amy Mc Govern's journal, entry 2

19 Jan 2009 - 10:02pm

Its Friday evening and I've just completed my fourth week working at Thembacare and I am exhausted! But only physically, because mentally I am on top of the world and loving every minute of my time here in South Africa. I now know what it feels like to love your work so much that you miss it on the weekends and look forward to Monday mornings.

GAP volunteer Amy Mc Govern's journal, entry 1

19 Jan 2009 - 10:01pm

The night before my first day my host mother showed me photos of the babies and we commented on how you would hardly know that they are sick. The photos were of beautiful babies living with HIV. I was so focused on the physical state of these children that I had to stop and remind myself that that is just one aspect of them, it shouldn't be what defines them.

Chantelle Wallace. Global Awareness Programme travel award winner 2007

19 Jan 2009 - 6:53pm

From the offset we recognised that many of the children had reading difficulties and did not have the basic maths skills that they should have at that age. So with the permission of the parents and the guidance of the principal Ms. Florez (quite simply the most inspiring woman I ever met) we set up an after school remedial programme. The difference in the children after this was incredible! They all improved academically and also in confidence as we showed them that just because they did not understand did not mean they were stupid! It was such a rewarding experience, especially when parents came to thank us for helping their children. It was simply incredible.

Liam Quaide, Global Awareness Programme 2006

19 Jan 2009 - 6:48pm

I feel very lucky to have worked at the Special Life Care Centre in Balvenie. I helped the nursing assistants in providing basic care needs- toileting, washing and feeding- to terminally ill patients. The majority were in the final stages of AIDS. I surprised myself with how quickly I adapted to this tragic environment. The most saddening aspect for me was the stigma that some patients suffered in their communities prior to admission, and the resultant lack of support from family and friends in their last few weeks.

Photos & Videos

Photos: 
Videos: 
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Media coverage

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Photo exhibition

Maeve, Emily, Gill and Paul Global Awareness Volunteerso 2010 rganised a photo-exhibition "Visions in solidarity" to raise awareness of HIV & AIDS in Ireland. The exhibition has been displayed in:

Mary Immaculate College, Limerick from the 3rd-12th of November 2010

Camden Palace, Cork, One World Week Central, 13th of November 2010

UCC, New Bar in the Student Center, Cork, 29th of November - 10th of December 2010

Cavan, Public Library, Cavan, 18th - 28th of February 2011

Irish Aid Volunteering & Information Centre, O'Connell Street, Dublin 1, March/April 2011

Trinity College Dublin, April 2011

Irish Aid (Department of Foriegn Affairs), Riverstone House, Henry Street, Limerick, May 2011

Nigeria, July 2011

Bray Public Library, Bray, Co.Dublin, August 2011

Ennis, October 2011

Hunt Meuseum, Limerick, 1st- 8th December 2011


If you are interested in hosting the photo-exhibition in your university, work place, youth club, cafe', local library, please get in contact with Caterina, caterina@eilireland.org

Past volunteers

Global Awareness Programme 2011: the Volunteers

Danielle, Aisling, Ciara received a training in Kimmage Development Studies on “Understanding HIV in Development” , they got an overview of the HIV&AIDS reality in Ireland by meeting the staff of Open Heart House and they received a training on Media and Campaigning skills. They volunteered for 8 weeks with a local project in Nigeria and South Africa working with people living with HIV&AIDS. They are currently organising events and activities here in Ireland to raise awareness of HIV & AIDS. If you would like to know more about HIV&AIDS click here.

Global Awareness Programme 2010: the Volunteers

Nigeria

Maeve Galvin

'Teens Camp': Meave playing with children at Living Hope Care's first ever 'Teens Camp' for youths orphaned or vulnerable through HIV.Maeve is 24 and she is from Bray, Co. Wicklow. Maeve is cur rently conducting a Master in Development Studies with Chinese and Arabic in DCU and has a journalism degree. Maeve is a very enthusiastic person and has a lively interest in development and human rights and has been actively involved in human rights organisations in Ireland. 

"My main reason for applying for this programme was I felt a huge draw to the fact that it focuses on awareness. I really wanted to find an opportunity to use my skills as a journalist for something that I feel utterly passionate about. It’s been said that the most effective weapon we have at our disposal to fight HIV and AIDS is education and awareness creation. I really believe in communication as a catalyst for change and this programme is a wonderful opportunity to use it to its full potential."

We asked Maeve some questions about her expectations, motivation and feelings before she leaves. This is what she told us during the interview.

Meave left on the 22nd of June, read her stories on her blog.

On the 31st of May 2010, East Coast FM's Declan Meehan interviewed Maeve Galvin. Listen the interview here.

On the 20th of September 2010, East Coast FM's Declan Meehan interviewed Maeve galvin. Listen the interview here.

On the 29th of September 2010, Bray people covered Maeve's story in the article "Delivering the message on the danger of HIV". Read the article.

Emily Price

Emily Price, Global Awareness Volunteer 2010 in Nigeria: Emily Price, Global Awareness Volunteer 2010 in Nigeria Emily is 23 and she is from Ennis, Co Clare. Emily is a primary school teacher and has a passion for sport, music, history and art. She has previous volunteer experience both in Ireland and in India. Emily is a cheerful and positive person.

I feel this programme will increase my awareness of HIV & AIDS through first hand experience… By witnessing first hand people’s experience of life with HIV&AIDS I would be able to educate people far more effectively.

We asked Emily some questions about her expectations, motivation and feelings before she leaves. This is what she told us during the interview.

Emily left on the 22nd of June, read her stories on her blog.

On June 4th, 2010 The Clare Champion covered Emily Price's story in the article "Teacher to work on Nigerian Aids programme". Read the article..

On September 24th, 2010 The Clare Champion covered Emily Price's story in the article "A close-up perspective on Aids in Nigeria". Read the article...

As part of her awareness raising campaign Emily is organising several workshops. Read here about her visit to a schoolin Co. Clare..

South Africa

Gill Carter

All smiles!: Gill and Smumgele (one of the children at the after care). Photo by Gill Carter, Global Awareness Volunteer in South Africa 2010Gill is 20 and she is from Raharney, Co Westmeath. Gill is currently studying International Development & Food Policy in UCC. Gill has previous volunteer experience with special needs children in Romania. Gill is a very enthusiastic and motivated person and she is very involved in UCC’s international Development Society.

This programme will allow me to develop my current opinions and perceptions of HIV&AIDS in Africa” Gill says “It will allow me to feel involved and fire my passion for development further…. I will enjoy learning more, growing as a person and gaining experience of which I will later tell others about on my return.

We asked Gill some questions about her expectations, motivation and feelings before she leaves. This is what she told us during the interview.

While in South Africa, Gill is writing a blog, follow her stories here.

Paul Quinn

Our Last Day: Gill and Paul with some of the carers at Legacy from left to right (Zizo, Pumeze and Lindiwe). Photo by Gill Carter, Global Awareness Volunteer in South Africa 2010Paul is  25 and he is from Co. Cavan. Paul is currently doing a Phd in Politics and International Relations in UCC. He has been volunteering on an EIL programme in Nigeria last year. Paul is a very positive, committed and reliable person. He is currently volunteering in an Irish project working with people living with HIV&AIDS.

"I want to participate on the Global Awareness Programme because I am passionate about human rights and developmental issues. This programme provides an amazing opportunity to gain knowledge and insights into real issues affecting people living with HIV&AIDS in South Africa... I have no doubt that the programme will be challenging but I am eager to contribute in any way I can".

We asked Paul some questions about his expectations, motivation and feelings before he leaves. This is what he told us durng the interview.

While in South Africa, Paul is writing a blog, read his stories here.

Global Awareness Programme 2009: the Volunteers

South Africa

Lynda Piper Roche

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Lynda lives in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin. She is very passionate and energetic. She has a degree in Business, Economic and Social Studies and a keen interest in development issues. She is currently studying Nutritional Therapy and working in a home support service for elderly and vulnerable people in Wicklow.

We asked Lynda some questions about her expectations, motivation and feelings before she left. This is what she told us during the interview. While in South Africa, Lynda wrote about her volunteer experience and on her retun she continued writing as part ofher raising awareness campaign.Read her blog here.

On the 7th of October The Bray People covered Lynda Piper-Roche's story in the articel Out of Africa. Read the article...

Ciara Cunningham

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Ciara is from Roscommon. She is very enthusiastic and mature person. She has a degree in Property economics. She has been working for different business companies in Dublin and she will go back to study next September.
She volunteers every week with St Vincent De Paul running activities for children in arts and crafts, music and drama.

We have asked Ciara some questions about her expectations, motivation and feelings before she left. This is what she told us during the interview. While in South Africa, Ciara writes about her volunteer experience, read her blog here.

On June 26, 2009 The Roscommon People covered Ciara Cunningham's story in the article Support Ciara’s African work at local coffee morning. Read the article...

On August 14, 2009 The Roscommon People covered Ciara Cunningham's story in the article Roscommon, Cape Town and a boy called Chkwan. Read the article...

On September 18, 2009 The Roscommon People covered Ciara Cunningham's story in the article The sad plight of an AIDS orphan. Read the article...

Nigeria

Karen Reidy

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Karen is from Kilkenny and she is currently living in Dublin. She has a degree in Media Arts and she will start a Master in Development Studies next September. She has previous volunteer experience with special needs children in Belarus. She is very enthusiastic person and she is a good communicator, keen photographer and she works as video editor.

While volunteering in Nigeria, Karen writes her own blog on the EIL website. Click here to read Karen's blog.

On July 1, 2009 The Kilkenny People covered the story of Karen Reidy in the article From Nigeria with toothpaste. This is what Karen recounted to the newspaper before she left earlier this month. Read the article...

Barry Morrissey

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Barry is originally from Thomastown, in Co. Kilkenny. He is a Primary Teacher and he has been working in a developing school in Dublin 15 for the last three years. He has travelled around most of Europe, the Americas and parts of Asia. He also spent one year and a half working in Spain.

We have asked Barry some questions about his expectations, motivation and feelings before he left. This is what he told us during the interview.

While volunteering in Nigeria, Barry writes his own blog on the EIL website. Click here to read Barry's blog.

 

Previous volunteers:

2008: Amy Rose McGovern, Claire Tadla, Michelle Healy

2007: James O'Connor, Nogugu Mafu, Sophie Brouker; Katie Moore

2006: Tara Finglas, Paul Fallon, Deirdre Tobin, Liam Quaide