Getting to Know Your International Contacts

I have not heard back from the two professional contacts I reached out to. I did however listen to a podcast with a participant named Barnabas Otaala. Mr. Otaala is a Dean of Education at Uganda Martyr’s University and a champion of the World Forum since day one. Barnabas and Jacqueline Hayden were awarded a World Forum networking grant to study the impact of HIV/AIDS on young children in Namibia. Their report, HIV/AIDS and the Young Child, which was distributed to all attendees at World Forum 2005 in Montreal, was the impetus for the establishment of the World Forum Voices of Hope working group.


Mr. Otaala talked about HIV/AIDS and its effects on the children, parents, and educators in Namibia. From my understanding most of the children that carry this disease have not even been properly diagnosed. Once properly diagnosed it sends the people in Namibia in a frenzy. It's hard to accept something you don't understand. One particular little girl who was diagnosed, people wanted to know what they could do to help, Mr.Otaala suggested that parents and educators as well as others who didnt understand the disease speak with the doctor so that they can get get a better understanding and not be so scared of it. He also talked about the role educators play in these children's lives. He thought that the whole situation would be overwhelming for a normal teacher. In my opinion those children need an educator who accepts and understands the disease and can still give these children the proper education they need without being afraid of them.