As part of their graduation requirements the members of my youth group have to go into a high school classroom and present a workshop that they developed to their peers. The idea behind Escojo Mi Vida (I choose my life.) is that members become multipliers of HIV/AIDS prevention. 

Last week we met on my porch to discuss what we wanted to include in the workshop. We have about 24 active members and our goal is to present in groups of 4 for an hour. Pictured are students developing the lesson that they will then teach to the other EMV members at our upcoming all night vigil. 

At our meeting I did a little bit of prompting, but my major contribution to this meeting was sweeping the porch and making a lime, grapefruit and sour orange juice melody. Believe it. My kids are starting to plan and run their own meetings and this has been one of my most successful projects. 

As a side note: 1.1% of the Dominican population are HIV positive. This is rate is 16 times greater than in the United States. 

Also pictured: The improved cook stove that we just put in at my host mom’s house. Now she will use 30% less fire wood and won’t have to breathe in so much smoke when she cooks. 

Yay Peace Corps. 22 months down, 5 months until my close of service.