HIV/AIDS

In my final semester of University I took a course called 'The World of Viruses'.  Our major assignment in this course was to choose a virus, write about it and then describe how it impacts the world.  My partner and I chose to study the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and our topic was 'The Prevention and Treatment Strategies of HIV/AIDS in Botswana'.

While researching this topic I discovered things that I had never known before.  Things that were affecting millions of people, that I had slowly become desensitized to.  When I read an excerpt from an address made by President Festus Mogae to the UN, things really hit home.

"We are threatened with extinction. People are dying in chillingly high numbers. It is a crisis of the first magnitude."

Since writing that essay I've taken an interest in learning about how HIV/AIDS have affected developing nations, particularly those in Africa.  I started by participating in the 'Dare to Remember' campaign run by the Stephen Lewis Foundation.  This campaign, raised money which went towards grass roots organizations run by Africans who have been affected by HIV/AIDS.  These grass roots organizations are run by grandmothers and orphans and other people, who see a solution to the problem but lack the funding.

In a few months I will be going to Tanzania and thought I would show some statistics to show what an impact this virus can have. 

HIV/AIDS in Tanzania:

Population, 2008                                  43,700,000

People living with HIV/AIDS, 2007             1,400,000

Women (15+) with HIV/AIDS, 2007          60,000

Adult HIV prevalence (%), 2007               6.2

AIDS deaths, 2007                                96,000

Now compare these numbers with Canada's stats:

Population, 2008                                  33,700,000

People living with HIV/AIDS, 2007            73,000

Women (15+) with HIV/AIDS, 2007          20,000

Adult HIV prevalence (%), 2007               0.4

AIDS deaths, 2007                                <500

Scary, isn't it? 

While the statistics are frightening, there are countless organizations out there that are trying to change things!  Organizations that teach sexual education, providing condoms, reducing HIV associated stigma and/or defending women's rights.

I'm not suggesting that you donate large amounts of money to these organizations (unless you can and want to), I merely want to give perspective.  To help you see that while there is a huge problem, there are great people all over the world doing what they can to fix it.  If you don't have the money, then try volunteering with a group/organization whose goals you agree with.  

I'll wrap up this post with a quote from the book 28 Stories of AIDS in Africa written by Stephanie Nolan.

"The problem with HIV is that its transmission, in blood and sexual fluids and breast milk, preys on our most intimate moments."

The results are in: 50/50 Draw is a HUGE success!

Jessie and I just finished our second fundraiser here on the University of Guelph campus!  Just like our mobile bake sale, it was a HUGE success!  We managed to sell $268 worth of tickets in two and a half short hours!  A big thank you goes out to the Brass Taps (a campus pub) who allowed us to use their space, and to Trivia Guy who announced our winner. 

A lovely poster made by Jessie

This was our booth

With a face like this, its surprising we raised any money!

Money making grin

This was the final amount of money before the draw! 

To be honest, I think that both Jessie and I are surprised at the success of this event!  It was really nice to see so much participation from not only our amazing friends, but also from complete strangers!  Thanks again to everyone who came out!  

If you weren't able to make it, but would still like to donate a few dollars feel free to visit: http://yci.tigweb.org/ind/MattLeslie

After a busy day, I'm finally off to bed!

Kwaheri

-Mathayo

Fundraising Update #5

Hi Friends!

Jessie and I didn't run any fundraisers this week so it was a bit of a slower fundraising week.  While we didn't run any fundraisers this week, we were still busy looking for ways to raise money!  We PDR'd a few campus colleges, asking them for some financial support.  We have also planned a 50/50 draw happening this Tuesday March 29 at 7pm to 11pm at the Brass Taps in the University Centre.

Currently I have raised $2288, which means I only have $1112 left to go!  I need to have all of my fundraising done by May 30th, so please if you can help me out!!

My Special big thanks this week goes out to some of my lovely friends:

• Adam Kuhn
• Kelly Keithlin
• Payge Mildebrath

If you are reading this and have some spare change (or a huge sum of cash) and would like to donate, visit: http://yci.tigweb.org/ind/MattLeslie

Hope to see some familiar faces at the 50/50 draw on Tuesday!!

-Matt 

Meningitis, Yellow Fever, Malaria! Oh My!

Dukoral.......................$80.00

Havrix........................$60.00

Typhim Vi.....................$45.00

Menactra ACYW 135.............$140.00

YF-VAX........................$130.00
Lariam and Malarone...........$163.00

Not having Traveller's Diarrhea, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis, Yellow Fever or Malaria......Pretty Freaking Expensive!

I recently visited a travel doctor, to learn about all the nasty things that I might catch when I travel to Tanzania, and let me tell you my friends, the list is a llllooooonnnngggg one.  It seems that a lot of my worries spawn from the little creatures in the picture below.  Any guesses as to what they are? 

If you guessed Plasmodium falciparum (malaria), Anopheles gambiae(mosquito) and Yellow fever virus (duh), and Aedes aegypti(mosquito) then you're correct!  

Now anyone who is reading this blog probably knows that my major in University was microbiology, so I'm going to let my inner nerd show a little bit and delve into how nasty these little bugs are.

Malaria

Malaria is a really awful disease, which affected between 190-311 million people and killed between 708,000 - 1,003,000 in 2008 alone.  Most of the victims who died were children in sub-Saharan Africa.  Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite called Plasmodium falciparum and is transmitted by mosquitoes Anopheles gambiae.  Symptoms include high fevers, shaking chills, flu-like symptoms and anemia.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is an equally awful disease, and is estimated to infect 200,000 new people every year and is responsible for killing approximately 30, 000 people a year with 90% of these infections occurring in Africa.  Yellow fever is caused by a virus creatively named 'Yellow fever virus' and is transmitted by mosquitoes Aedes aegypti.  Symptoms include bleeding, delirium, fever, headache, jaundice, seizures and vomiting.

After writing about these two deadly diseases, I realize that I'm probably freaking some people out (most likely my parents).  Both Jessie and I will be vaccinated for Yellow Fever and will be taking anti-malarial pills during our stay in Tanzania.  

Just think of the people who live in sub-Saharan Africa ( over 800 million people), and the number of them who cannot afford vaccinations and treatment.  

sub-Saharan Africa in green

Kind of sad right? 

One of my goals for this blog is to open up my readers' eyes to the issues that affect Africa.  I think that while we've all been bombarded with information over the years (ie those commercials showing malnourished children needing a sponsor), we've also become desensitized and unattached. 

Before this posting gets too preachy and depressing, I'll finish by saying, that while the issues might seem overwhelming, exhausting and never ending, if you find an issue that you are passionate about pursue it.  Can you imagine what that world would be like?

A Tiny Taste of Culture Shock

Its scary to think that in less than 80 days I'll be the furthest away from home that I've ever been!  It seems like absolutely no time has passed since I first thought of applying to this program, and now I am over halfway through my fundraising. While I've made some excellent progress, I still have  a TONNE of work to do to prepare myself (not to mention finish writing my thesis and eventually defending it!).

While procrastinating the other day, Jessie and I looked over the list of supplies we'll need to bring.  There were a tonne of items on the list (malaria pills, headlamps, water, aspirin, mosquito nets to name a few).  Most of the items I had already thought of, but some of the clothing items gave us a bit of a wake up call.

If I asked you for some advice on what to pack, what would you suggest?

Probably suggest similar things to what I was thinking: T-shirts and shorts.  Our guidelines suggested a  little differently.  While this attire is perfectly normal for someone in Canada or the USA, it may be offensive somewhere else in the world.  I  guess, I am getting my first real (albeit tiny) taste of 'Culture Shock'.

I started to wonder what appropriate attire was in Tanzania,and a quick search on Google led me to this picture:

Realizing that someone visiting Canada for the first time and searching the Internet might find this picture and assume that is how we all dress:

So while keeping in mind the context of the situations shown in the pictures, I tried another few searches:

Spot any differences in how we dress?  Somewhat similar, but maybe a bit more conservative (especially given the climate).

While reading the packing guidelines sent out by the YCI,  I've learned that Tanzanians take great pride in their attire and that by dressing sloppy you can give the give the wrong impression about lacking respect for others and for yourself.

While participating in this project I am not allowed to wear: 

Tank Tops - These aren't acceptable to wear in public places but can be worn at home or when sleeping.  Its suggested that I bring button down T-shirts.  Its suggested that women bring loose shirts
that completely cover their shoulders and cover to at least mid-arm.

Shorts - All pants must be at least mid-calf length.  Shorts are only acceptable on the beach OR on a soccer field.

There are more restrictions for women then men, and I think overall I'll likely have a much easier time packing than Jessie might.

Reading the packing guidelines and list just reminded me that while I'll be living in Arusha Tanzania for 6 weeks, I will be a visitor in a foreign place with customs I'm not used to.  Sure, some differences might seem strange at first (like no shorts on a hot day), but they are there for a reason and  the least I can do is respect them.

This tiny taste of culture shock has only made me more excited about my trip!

Fundraising Update #4

This past week was quite a busy week on the fundraising front.  Jessie and I had our first bake sale, which required the help of a number of friends (thank you thank you thank you!) and about 7 hours of baking and decorating time.  It was well worth it as we each raised $168! 
What I am finding absolutely incredible is the amount of support I am receiving from not only family and friends but also complete strangers. So far its been a very nice experience.

Well, the good news is that I have surpassed the 60% mark of my fundraising goal, which is pretty freaking incredible!

I still need to raise $1217, which is incredibly less intimidating than $3400!

This week I would like to give the following people a BIG Special Thanks:

• Julia Caldwell (monetary and baked good donation)
• Craig Whitton
• Anastasia Richardson
• Dan and Linda Keithlin
• The University of Guelph campus
• Jessie Flear, Jacob Cassidy, Joe McBurney, Kelly Keithlin (for bake sale preparations)
• Cassaundra Laundry (for helping us sell a tonne of cupcakes to her co-workers)

Thanks again everyone!!

The Cupdate on Cupcake Sales

Hola!

Yesterday Jessie and I had our first real fundraising event!  With the help of our wonderful friends (Julia, Joe, Jacob and Kelly) we had baked 122 delicious and beautifully decorated cupcakes and 30 delicious shamrock cookies.
Our plan to have a bake sale and take advantage of St. Patricks day was HUGELY successful!  Our method was a little bit different.  Rather than setting up shop and having people come to us, we travelled around the University of Guelph campus and around Downtown Guelph and brought the baked goods to the people.

 The shamrock cookies were donated by Julia Caldwell

 Jessie and I making icing and the rainbow cupcakes

 Jacob just realizes that we had been baking and decorating for 7 hours

I was blown away by the generosity that we experienced on our campus as well as downtown, and it made me so proud to be a Gryphon (which sounds incredibly cheesy, but is true).    We sold the baked goods by donation, which allowed people to pay what they could for a cupcake or cookie.  Again and again we had people giving us all their spare change and refusing to take a treat because they didn't feel like they had given enough.  I thought that this was quite impressive!

We sold approximately 90 cupcakes and 30 cookies on campus and raised $272 and downtown we sold the remainder raising $64.  Between the two of us we raised: $336!!! 

Thank you Thank you Thank you to everyone who bought a cupcake or cookie, to everyone who introduced us to their friends to help us sell, and to everyone who gave us their change!  The money is going to a great cause!!

Cupcakes?!?

Ninaweza kusema Kiswahili! (I can speak Swahili!)

 Jambo Rafiki! (Hello Friends!)

As I'll be spending quite some time in Tanzania this summer, I thought it would be important to learn some basic Swahili.  I hope that by learning a little of the official language, I'll have an easier time connecting with the youth I'll be working with as well as an easier time living in a completely foreign country.

Swahili is spoken by various ethnic groups that live along the Indian Ocean coastline.  It is the official language of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, however it is used by many East African countries as a lingua franca (a means to communicate among people who do not share a 'mother tongue').

My aim for this trip is to have an understanding of the basics: the alphabet and numbers, some adjectives and common nouns and verbs.  I'm sure that my pronunciation will be atrocious, so here's hoping I'm a natural!

And as it turns out, the majority of you readers will also know a little bit of Swahili.  If you've seen The Lion King, and unless you've been living under a rock for the last 20 or so years, you've got a couple of words and phrases up your sleeve!


Swahili from The Lion King:
Hakuna Matata (what a wonderful phrase) - It means "no worries" (no problem)
Simba -lion
Nala - gift
Pumbaa - dull-witted, stunned
Rafiki - friend

Useful Phrases:
Habari - Hello!
Jambo/Hujambo - Hello/How are you?
Nzuri sana - I am fine, thank you
Mbaya - bad
Ndiyo - yes
Hapana - no
Asante (sana) - thank you (very much)
Tafaddhali - please
Kwaheri - goodbye
Choo ni wapi? - Where is the bathroom?
Ukimwi - HIV/AIDS

Well that's a start.  The pronunciation is killer, but I still have 88 days left to learn as much as I can!

Asante kwa kusoma! (Thank you for reading!)

-Mathayo (Matt)

Fundraising Update #3

 Hi friends!

This week, thanks to all of your help, I have raised over 50% of my goal!  I am absolutely blown away by the support that my family and friends have offered me!  I am touched by how supportive the people in my life are, its truly amazing.  

 BIG UPS to the following people this week:

• Lina Yaeger
• William and Joan Leslie
• Cathy and Shawn Hunt
• Whitney Lum
• Jodi Laundry
• Dawn and Jerry van Dinther
• Patrick and Margaret Dunne 

This week Jessie and I have a fundraising event planned!  We will be baking a tonne of cupcakes, decorating them and selling them on St. Patricks Day!  If you're in the Guelph area, maybe we'll see you on campus or around down town!!  

Remember that if you'd like to make an online donation, that you can directly donate by following this link: http://yci.tigweb.org/ind/MattLeslie
Thanks again everyone! 

I'm going to Tanzania, with Jessie!!

Hello Everyone,

So it was only a couple of weeks ago that I found out that I would be traveling to Tanzania this July to volunteer in Arusha.  Today I received some more extremely exciting news about my upcoming adventure!  My good friend Jessie Flear, also a student at the University of Guelph, has just found out that she will also be coming to Tanzania to volunteer!!
(You can check out her blog at www.jfleartanzania.blogspot.com)



While I had originally set out on this adventure alone, knowing that I will have a friend while thousands of kilometers from home is very comforting.  It will also be nice to have someone to fundraise with, practice Swahili with and share this experience with!

-Matt

Fundraising Update #2!

Holy Crow!
Just two weeks into this fundraising campaign and I have raised $1420, which means I have only $1980 left to go!  Its amazing to think that this time last week I had met 15.3% of my goal, and now I am nearly halfway!!

This week a BIG special thanks goes out to:

• Victoria Nowell
• Cathy Diamond
• Terri Stortz
• Northwind Solutions (Greg Duke)
• Leslie Music Supply (Pat Leslie)
• Mark Leslie
• Julia Hughes

More interactive fundraising events will be happening soon, so be ready!!
 
Remember that if you'd like to make an online donation, that you can directly donate by following this link: http://yci.tigweb.org/ind/MattLeslie
Thanks again everyone!

Northwind Solutions

Hey Everyone!

This has been an extremely successful week in fundraising, and a lot of it is due to Northwind Solutions.  Earlier this week, I received a very generous donation from Northwind Solutions, which boosted me right up to about 35% of my fundraising goal. 

Maybe you aren't too sure as to what Northwind Solutions is and what exactly it is they do, so please take a moment and read about this fantastic company.

Northwind Solutions, which formed in 2004, is dedicated to serving the North American Renewable Energy Industry.  Their first project was providing construction management services for one wind farm in Manitoba and has since then they have become a leader in the renewable energy industry.  Northwind prides itself on developing and maintaining strong working relationships with not only the staff members on specific projects but also with community members where projects occur.  As listed on their website, Northwind Solutions has financially supported 17 community/charity organizations (18 including Youth Challenge International now!!).  For more information check out their website: http://www.northwindsolutions.com/index.php.

So a big thank you to Northwind Solutions!  Thank you for supporting me and putting me one step closer to reaching my fundraising goal and allowing me to participate in this wonderful volunteer experience in Tanzania!

Leslie Music Supply

Hey friends!

So this week I have gained the support of Leslie Music Supply, a family company run by aunt.



If you or a friend or anyone you know, need any music supplies, please think about buying from Leslie Music Supply.  If you place an order with them between now and May 31st and use the promotion code: 711 (my arrival date in Tanzania), 10% of the sale will be donated to my online fundraising for YCI.

To see what you can purchase please visit: www.lesliemusicsupply.com/index.htm  and follow the 'Enter Store' link to see all merchandise.

Please if you know of anyone (teachers, churches, music academies) please forward them this link and let them know about the promotion!

Thanks!!

-Matt