July 20, 2008

July 20, 2008

I administered my survey today. I wrote it in English and had it translated into Thai by my director. By coincidence, I think today was pretty good timing. I think I've bonded with the kids well enough for them to be honest and open to me. But before I proceed further with this blog, let me tell you briefly about my project.

In addition to helping the BRJ Project with their work, I also have a project of my own. I'm investigating the common health problems amongst the children here at the site and around the villages. With this knowledge, I will be working with the BRJ Project staff and other health NGOs to develop an academic curriculum that we can teach to the kids here. The curriculum will cover an introduction to the type of diseases that are prevalent amongst the youth. It will offer preventative measures and tips as well as advice of what to do when they are sick. The latter is important to include in the class as well because containment is essential when there are so many children around. By working with the staff on this rather than by myself, I am hoping that they will continue to run the course once I return home. If the program goes well, I'll look into expanding it to the villages and other places where such knowledge is not taught. My hope is that I can help these folks live healthier lives.

Okay... so about the survey. It is intended to be a beginning marker of measurement for their hygiene habits and knowledge of health problems. It will also offer me another view of the situation. I already read the records of their doctor visits and spoke to the staff about the common diseases. This will allow me to observe the health situation from the aspect of the children.

Anyhow, the kids were cooperative and they were done within 20 minutes. I sat down with my director and we briefly went over some of the responses. Even she was surprised at some of the responses. We both agreed this program would be good for the kids.

Note: I wanted to post the game of dodgeball that we played after the survey online, but I've been trying for the last few hours and it's not working :(. I'm posting a picture instead which has less action. But you should know that I got my bu*t kicked :)