Yet, another blog?

For more than two years CABSA was saying or perhaps confessing to “Churches, Channels of Hope” facilitators that our mentoring programme is still in its infancy stage. With this statement we tried to convey the fact that we realize the importance of a mentoring programme, yet at the same time are very much limited in terms of what type of support we could offer with our very limited capacity and resources.

Towards the end of last year we started to say that it is not enough anymore to say we are still taking baby steps when it comes to mentoring trained facilitators. The feedback we received –especially during the four refreshers that were conducted over the past two years - further convinced us of the importance of staying in contact with facilitators and of actively seeking opportunities to network and interact with one another.

It is therefore important for us to use whatever available tools and technologies to improve our communication and interaction with you as CABSA facilitators and thus we have decided to introduce this blog specifically aimed at you, “Churches, Channels of Hope” facilitators.

Since many facilitators do not have access to email this blog will not replace any of the other communication from CABSA, but will serve as a platform where I could more regularly share some of my thoughts and reflect with you on some of your experiences (and frustrations) as facilitators.

CABSA’s mentoring plan for 2008 however includes much more than the introduction of this blog. Watch this space to read more about us rethinking the purpose of the “Churches, Channels of Hope programme” and especially our understanding of what it means to be a channel of hope within the HIV pandemic.

It is my aim to write at least twice a month and I do look forward to hear your comments, ideas and responses.

Aneleh