There is general recognition that many organisations and social work practitioners are working relentlessly to address the HIV epidemic, however, the overall impact of the social work profession in meeting the psychosocial needs of persons living with HIV-AIDS (PLWHA) in Trinidad and Tobago is constrained by a lack of resources, under-developed social work infrastructure and insufficient numbers of professional social workers. Furthermore, there is little evidence that the psychosocial implications of HIV-AIDS are fully understood and there is clearly a need for further knowledge and skills in this area.

“Sondai” a South African name that means ‘keep pushing forward’, encapsulates the concept and aims of the project which is a multi-faceted social work response to HIV-AIDS involving regional and  international knowledge exchange, research, postgraduate study, social work  practice and capacity-building. The project seeks to address a major social problem within society (the psychosocial implications of HIV-AIDS) by harnessing energy; creating synergy (research, policy & practice); dedicating scholarly activity; targeting action; and producing tangible benefits.

Original Research. To undertake research projects specifically related to the psychosocial aspects and implications of HIV and AIDS.

Research into Practice. To develop, implement and evaluate social work interventions based on local research/knowledge into non-compliance with antiretroviral therapy, factors that contribute to under-testing

Research into Policy. To translate research on psychosocial issues for especially vulnerable/marginalised groups into policy recommendations within the context of the National Strategic Plan on HIV-AIDS

Capacity-building. To link with agencies working with PLWHA to practicum (internship) opportunities for postgraduate social work students. To enhance the level of generic social work knowledge and skills in HIV-AIDS prevention, management and treatment.

Postgraduate Research and Practice. To train a cadre of post graduate social work students in advanced level knowledge & skills for working with PLWHA and for assisting agencies in the development of appropriate policies and practice. The project has linked directly into the recruitment of postgraduate students for the new HIV-AIDS concentration in the Master of Social Work Degree.

International and Regional Knowledge Exchange. To review and disseminate international and regional research on culturally relevant and evidence-based social work interventions.

Dissemination. To establish a database and website for the dissemination of the knowledge produced within the project and to organise an international symposium on the psychosocial implications of HIV-AIDS.

Phase 1 of SONDAI was launched in May 2006 with meagre funding to support its efforts. By the end of September, a number of achievements could be recorded, including the completion of a pilot study on HIV and the disabled in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of Disabled People International, a foundation HIV sensitization programme for frontline healthcare workers, the activation of a project website to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration (www.sta.uwi.edu/sondai/), the establishment of a support group for caregivers, regional and international exchange through postgraduate practica in St Vincent and South Africa and the introduction of the Master of Social Work (MSW) concentration in HIV management and treatment. The award of a Government of Trinidad and Tobago research grant moved the project into high gear with the establishment of a SONDAI base at Deane Street in St Augustine and the recruitment of staff to run the project for 12 months. SONDAI’s current activities include:

• The formation of an advisory board comprised of representatives from UNESCO, Ministry of Social Development, the NACC, CRN+, Medical Social Work Department and Social Work faculty.
• Development of an evidence-based training programme for social work intervention in HIV and AIDS.
• Book proposals: Social Work HIV research in the Caribbean, HIV and Social Work Education; a training manual
• Visiting scholarship with UKZN, Durban in the person of Maud Mthembu – a practicing Social Worker in HIV and Aids intervention with children and families.
• Research: treatment adherence issues; mother-daughter  sex-talk; family case study; HIV and children’s rights; HIV and disability; intersectionality: children’s rights and HIV
• Conference panels at the recently concluded Caribbean and International Social Work Educators’ Conference.
• Collaborations: Cyril Ross Nursery; Tobago Health Promotion Clinic, EWMSC and Mt Hope Hospital.

Maud Mthembu brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise in HIV intervention with children and families. She has great insight into the psychosocial issues that affect individuals and communities, and a profound understanding of the role of Social Workers in treatment, management and prevention. The progress of the epidemic and its management is greatly advanced in South Africa, and Maud brings rich personal and professional insight that could enhance our understanding of the possibilities for practice. She is currently working with the project on a number of initiatives. She is supervising post-graduate students on practicum, she will be coordinating and delivering modules in the training programme (piloted in September 2007), she will be collaborating with the NACC to provide consultancy services to allied agencies, she has already made links with the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Social Workers to provide support around strengthening the profession, and she will be liaising with on-campus groups such as the Social Work student  community and the Centre for Gender Studies and research.

Having Maud here with us is one accomplishment of which we are very proud and pleased as this initiative represents (in part) a manifestation of our goal of advancing international collaboration and exchange, especially South-South collaboration, around HIV and AIDS.