In the middle of January 2009 a 5-day Mildmay training seminar was held in the Urals (Russia). The director of Mildmay hospital (London, UK), Marie Connor, and staff nurse Linda Ruby came to the snowy region to share their knowledge and experience in HIV/AIDS field. The seminar was held at the rehabilitation centre not far from Asbest, hosted by the Anti-drug Centre “Salvation”, facilitated by ISAAC, and supported by Tearfund.  Nearly 30 people came to take part in the seminar; most of them are already involved in rehabilitation ministry, prevention and counselling of HIV-positive. Yet there were also some who benefited from hearing, for the first time, basic information about HIV/AIDS. Students were able to be actively involved in training not only by listening to lectures but also by participating in group work and role plays. Staying at the same place, sharing meals, participating in fellowship and prayers created a very friendly and warm atmosphere. It was the 1st module of training that will be followed by the 2nd one in the beginning of summer.
 
Here are some comments of the seminar participants:

Natalya Ostanina: “All of us that came were so different but united by one thing – HIV/AIDS issue in Russia. Someone came to learn more about HIV and how to live with it or help significant others living with the infection. Others came to receive the information and share it with others, speak up in order to lessen ignorance concerning HIV…I learned lots of new and helpful things…It was important for me to hear that Christians working in Mildmay give all their efforts serving people living with HIV. They provide care and counsel in order to help people with HIV to live happy and fulfilled lives.”

Irina Sintsova: “I received answers to the questions I had and learnt a lot of important information. The seminar was presented in an interesting and easy to perceive way. I enjoyed participating in an experiment of taking ART. Instructors from Mildmay shared about their experience in the UK and other countries, taught us about the specifics of HIV, diet for HIV-positive people and many other things. I believe that the information we learned will help in the work in drug rehab centres, hospitals and other places where we meet with HIV positive people.”