Today was another fantastic day in Swaziland. We’ve been quite busy lately, so it’s been nice to have a couple of days to catch our breath and touch base.

We started the day with an incredible global health lecture about the direct effects of the mining industry on the spread of tuberculosis. Aside from HIV, the mining industry is the greatest driver of TB on the African continent. This is remarkable to me. Until taking this class, I’ve been complete unaware of the the immensity of the TB epidemic in Africa. I had no idea this epidemic was even happening, to be honest. I’d never heard about the link between the gold mining industry and tuberculosis, or understood that mining was one of this epidemic’s primary catalysts. This class is awakening my mind to a new way of thinking. It is teaching me to look at global health issues not simply as isolated events, but also as byproducts of larger, harmful social constructs. HIV and TB within the mines are linked to poor working and living conditions for miners, poor mental health among miners (and associated risky behaviors), and isolation of the mine workers from their families. The working conditions for miners today reflect policies implemented during the apartheid, policies created to suppress black mine workers in order to create white economic superiority. The roots of history seem entrenched, but new research and technology can be implemented to a positive effect. While we must always recognize and learn to face the past, the focus must be on the future now.

In other news, the Mkoko boys returned home today. Both of them are remarkable and it is always great to visit with them. We all hope to see them again soon. I spent the rest of the day catching up on some work, reading, writing, watching the World Cup (of course), and hanging out with everyone. One of the things I’ve loved most about this class has been getting to know all of my classmates, hearing their stories and perspectives, and exploring Swaziland together. Every day, I learn so much from these beautiful people. I’m amazed by the fact that everyone here, EVERYONE, has an incredible passion bubbling within them. It’s thrilling to be surrounded by that energy and drive. I’m not only learning through immersion in a new environment, but also by simply listening to and collaborating with the people around me. This experience has far exceeded my wildest expectations, and I owe that to my teachers and classmates. Thanks everyone!

This week, we are going to begin working on our final film projects. We will be creating (within the next ten days) both a documentary film and a narrative film. Wish us luck! We are about to get very busy, but I think everyone is up for the challenge!