When reading the criteria for this weeks Blog Assignment, I felt rather leery about contacting individuals I do not know. Although, I know this is a part of professionalism, my choice would be to become contacted through a trusted individual or organization, I personally know. Nevertheless, I did get connected to the World Forum Radio, and subscribed to the podcasts via my itunes and I also had the pleasure of listening to an episode that featured a man by the name of, Barnabas Otaala, Dean of Education at Uganda's Martyrs University. Mr. Otaala spoke about the children of the village where he lived and their experience with HIV/AIDS.
The episode was extremely enlightening on how HIV/AIDS is one of the largest topics regarding childhood development and family issues in the African region. Barnabas Otaala spoke about the respect that villagers have for doctors and how doctors need to have a better relationship with villagers to gain more insight on this devastating disease. He spoke on the need for all of us to pay attention to the needs of children.
Following the podcast episode, I looked for Mr. Otaala's e-mail but could not locate it. But, I continued to search for more information on him, the university and the matter of HIV/AIDS in the town of Uganda. I was able to go to the University website and explore and I even strolled upon a newsletter the University's Press produced. The newsletter featured, professor and dean Barnabas Otaala and even featured a quote that stated, "the Faculty ofEducation at Uganda Martyrs’University, had in some effective way, started to address develop-mental issues, including those of HIV and AIDS, and Special Needs Education" (Zalwango, 2010).
I definitely plan to utilize the World Forum Radio in the future. As far as expanding my resources, I browsed around at the websites provided on the Blog resources page and found interest in the website for the National Black Child Development Institute. While all of the other resources were phenomenal, I just think that this institution and website benefits me the most. I signed up for free information and newsletters and really look forward to immersing myself in the information that the service provides.
National Black Child Development Institute. (2011, January 7). Home, about, newsletters initiatives, affiliates, support. Retrieved from: http://nbcdi.org/
Zalwango, Amelia. (2010, August). Inaugural Lecture. Uganda Martyrs University Newsletter, 17(1). Retrieved from: http://www.scribd.com/doc/61365262/Uganda-Martyrs-University-Newsletter-2010-1
Wow, Janille! It sounds like you found a very interesting site. I know how you feel about contacting someone that you don't know. I just think that people are hesitant about emailing a stranger back, especially women. Good luck
ReplyDeleteI was also a little leery about contacting people I do not know, but do think we will learn a lot from our contacts and it will also be a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteJanille,
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing that you had great success with your resources. I two, believe I will have to use the alternate assignment, because so far I have no response, but at least reading yours, gives me hope that I can make that connect. Best of Luck to you.
Troyleena
Janille,
ReplyDeleteIt is scary in today's world to contact people from around the world. We just never can be too careful. I have friends all over the United States and in a few countries the problem is the are limited in my area of study. It sounds like this was an interesting discussion on the World Forum Radio. I found listening to the topics intriguing. The broadcast by Mr. Otaala on HIV/AIDS seemed very informative. I found his comment on how the villagers have respect for doctors and that doctors need to have a better relationship with villagers. It sounds like something my husband says about the doctors versus the techs at the hospitals here. This is related to the article on the Foundations of Lifelong Health. Relationships within a community are extremely important. This was emphasized in the Journal article on Fostering Child Development. The Paraguay Community really embraces the Pastoral del Nino organization there. I have looked at the National Black Child Development Institute and it seems very interesting I look forward to reading your insights into that.
Ginny