The long awaited WAIT workshop was held on Friday and Saturday, 20-21 February 2009 in Central London. The workshop was organised by Jude, Priya and Uncle Marshall. The idea was to bring a balance between education and training, as an impetus to start the year on a good fundation! It was also an opportunity to re-connect to WAIT members who have not been attending WAIT events on a regular basis. 26 WAIT members participated, of which five were brand new to WAIT. Four parents also supported the workshop.
Rifuku emceed the workshop and introduced WAIT (especially for the newcomers); Hijiri took care of registration on both days; Jude led the ice-breakers; Danielle and Miwa went through the WAIT rules and stages; Kathleen gave a powerpoint presentation on Relationships and Sexual Purity; Uncle Marshall and Aunty Naomi offered the WAIT members an interactive session on Time Management. In addition to the educational sessions, Amaelle Cunningham and Uncle George Ostapko assisted the team with dance and music workshops respectively! Julian led the drama workshop and Jude oversaw the break dance training. Joseph Mugambwa, from Uganda sang a song, accompanied on keybboards by Uncle George, and then talked about the consequences of HIV/AIDS in his own country.
From the completed evaluation forms, the participants seemed to have enjoyed and appreciated this two-day non-residential workshop. Everyone agreed that we should meet one Saturday each month to have more internal education, as well as normal WAIT training!! Thanks to everyone, especially Aunties Naomi and Anne, and Priya for cooking for us.