This past week was one of my
favorite weeks at my internship at Treatment Action Campaign so far.
On Wednesday, some of the community
mobilizers at the TAC office brought myself and the other interns door-to-door
throughout an informal settlement in Khayelitsha, and we knocked on the doors
of everyone that was home at the time. We handed out pamphlets, informed people
about the march on Parliament that TAC had organized for the next day and
encouraged them to attend, and explained the importance of finding out your HIV
status and learning about ARVs. I got to practice my Xhosa skills a little bit,
although I admit that I basically only introduced myself and told everyone,
“Ubenemini emnandi!” (have a nice day). I’m sure I butchered the pronunciation,
but people really seemed to appreciate the effort. Or at least, they were
amused!
One thing that was very surprising
about that day, was how open and receptive everyone was to listening to what we
had to say. I couldn’t help but think about how at home, if we had tried to go
door-to-door, we probably would not be so welcomed. I think at home, it is more
natural to say “I’m sorry, I’m too busy,” than to take a few minutes to listen
to what someone has to say. The experience was very refreshing, and it showed
just how effective and respected TAC is in the area.
It was also difficult, however, to
see some of the living conditions that the people of Khayelitsha must endure.
The paths between homes were sandy and hilly, making it difficult to walk
through. Dead animals and trash was strewn everywhere, and there was a strong
stench. And yet, people welcomed us into their homes, homes smaller than any I
have ever seen before, and for that, I am extremely grateful.
On Thursday, we went to TAC’s march on Parliament. The march was meant to call upon Parliament to fix South
Africa’s patent laws so that people are able to access affordable TB
medication. Well over 1500 people showed up to the march, and together, all
decked out with HIV-positive shirts and “Fix the Patent Laws” posters, we sang
protest songs and marched all the way to the gates outside of Parliament. It
was incredible to be part of something so large-scale. Later that day, when we
were in a minibus taxi on the way home from the march, a news radio station
came on. The announcer briefly discussed the march on Parliament that TAC had
organized and I was so excited, thinking “I was there! I’m part of that news
story!” Maybe it was selfish, thinking about myself in that moment rather than
the incredible work that TAC has done, but I am incredibly grateful that I have
been given the opportunity to work for such an important and effective
organization.
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| Lauren, David & Emily: Treatment Action Campaign Interns |
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