Ncwala, traditional ceremony of the Ngoni people in Eastern Province, Chipata.
March 2024
DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) program
is an initiative focused on empowering adolescent girls and young women in high burden HIV countries like Zambia to reduce their risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. DREAMS was developed under PEPFAR (the President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) and is implemented by different partners to deliver multi-layered levels of services to ensure that girls have access to a comprehensive package of resources and skills to reduce their vulnerability and achieve their full potential.
Peace Corps DREAMS volunteers play a crucial role in addressing the high rates of HIV/AIDs among adolescent girls and young women, particularly in urban areas. First, volunteers support the Ministry of Education (MoE) in rolling out the Life Skills and Health Education curriculum (LSHE). LSHE, first introduced in Zambia through a UNESCO-MoE partnership, is a comprehensive, evidence-based, and medically and age-appropriate approach to life skills, sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS education for girls and boys in grade 5-12. Secondly, DREAMS volunteers coordinate trainings for guidance counselors to support referrals and linkages to PEPFAR DREAMS centers, where adolescents and young women can access comprehensive sexual and reproductive services.
Ultimately, the goal of Peace Corps DREAMS program is to work alongside key stakeholders and contribute to achieving an HIV/AIDS-free Zambia by 2030.
Volunteers work alongside community partners to strengthen the LSHE curriculum's implementation. Photographed is one of the province's first counterparts that Peace Corps recruited, Zondwayo Ndhlovu. Ultimately, the goal of Peace Corps DREAMS program is to work alongside key stakeholders and contribute to achieving an HIV/AIDS-free Zambia by 2030.
Protest Outside Senator John Fetterman's Office, October 19th, 2023
Protesters gathered outside the United States Custom House in Old City to call on Senator John Fetterman to retract his statements regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Fetterman expressed his disturbance at Congress members who quickly blamed Israel for the Al Ahli Arab Hospital bombing, emphasizing the importance of trusting the United States' key ally— Israel. The demonstration, which began at Independence Hall, was organized by IfNotNow, a community group advocating to end U.S. support for Israel's apartheid system and seeks justice and equality for Palestinians in occupied Palestine.
Al Ahli Arab Hospital, situated in the northern Gaza Strip, was a functional medical facility providing care to patients, healthcare workers, and internally displaced individuals who sought refuge there. Before the hospital was bombed, it had received an evacuation order from the Israel Defense Forces. The attack on the hospital, widely criticized on a global scale, has been attributed to the IDF.
A contingent of IfNotNow protesters initially entered the Customs House, forming a human chain in an attempt to reach Senator Fetterman's office, but they were confronted by Department of Homeland Security police. After approximately an hour and a half of speeches, songs, and demands, the group left the area in front of the building and proceeded to march to City Hall.
Little Amal in Philadelphia, September 2023
"Where will little Amal sleep tonight? This 12-foot Syrian refugee puppet has journeyed 6,000 miles through 15 cities and 97 towns, captivating hearts and solidarity along the way. In Philadelphia, she invites us to recognize the striking parallels between the global refugee crisis and our own housing and homelessness issues.
Little Amal, a creation of the internationally acclaimed Handspring Puppet Company, embodies the plight of refugee children worldwide. Over a million people globally have welcomed her message: 'Don't forget about us.' She represents the countless children fleeing war, violence, and persecution.
As Amal traversed Broad Street to reach City Hall, hundreds watched her quest for shelter amidst corners and sidewalks, facing street rodents and the harsh realities of life on the streets.
Pride Parade, Guatemala City, July 2023
International Women's Day, Guatemala City, March 2023
