Yesterday, I went to the UN. Psych! But really, I did sit in a conference style room with a headset on so that I could hear the translated version of what the speaker was saying. It was kinda like the UN in that regard. What I actually attended was a lunchtime seminar comparing the cost effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) versus the 06 centers. I was also given pizza, fruit and coffee at this seminar which always makes me happy and is most likely better than the food they get at the UN. Drug users caught by law enforcement in Vietnam can be sent to the 06 Centers for forced detoxification and to work. There are a host of human rights issues associated with these centers and their forced labor practices. The presentation clearly showed that MMT incurs about a third of the cost per person as the 06 Center, not to mention the fact that 06 Centers have about a 15% success rate of people staying sober upon release. At the end of the presentation, the speaker, who was the first we had heard on the more government side of things, concluded by saying that Vietnam needed to maintain the 06 Centers but put all new money into MMT. It seems evident that he called for the maintenance of current 06 Centers because that is the government's opinion. One of the listeners brought up the point that, if 06 Centers are not cost effective, one had to question the government's motives for keeping them around (cheap labor source?) and what could be done by citizens to enact change. The speaker really didn't answer this question.
You may be reading this thinking "Thank goodness we don't have forced detoxification and labor camps in the U.S." To that, I counter "Is our system really that much better?" Excessive amounts of money go into the incarceration of those found in possession of or using drugs in the U.S. Incarcerated individuals are unable to support their families financially while in prison and will most likely never get a job after that. How much more cost effective and reasonable would it be to reallocate funds into MMT in the U.S.? An interesting thought to ponder.
Danielle turned 22 today. The day of celebration began at midnight when some of our roommates surprised her with freshly made che and corn cakes as well as flowers. The corn cakes were like thick crepes with pieces of corn mixed inside of them. This che was made from corn starch, corn and coconut milk (apparently, it can take many different forms). The corn starch is used to make this thick liquid, soupy base in which the corn is suspended and coconut milk is mixed. There was plenty to go around, and all enjoyed the small party!
Today was mostly spent paper writing. By the time evening came around, there were more birthday festivities. At Danielle's request, we went to Pizza Hut. Unbeknownst to Danielle, we brought in vanilla, chocolate raspberry ice cream cake. Needless to say, it was a wonderful dinner. Dinner was followed by yet another trip to the National Cinema Center to revel in the glory of Taylor Lautner. Yes, we watched Abduction again, as if it weren't bad enough the first time. To be perfectly honest, I laughed just as much this go round if not more due to the anticipation of ridiculous moments. It was a great event.
Co Yen is one of the women who works an administrative position here at the Hanoi School of Public Health. She is the one who organized us to teach teach the English class, of which her some is one of the students. Maeve went to pick up cards that Hung had made us in school. They are beautifully decorated inside and out wishing us "Happy Woman Day." I did not know this before, but I was told today that Women Day is an international holiday. Regardless of this day's holiday status, the cards are absolutely adorable. The card also has a beautiful folded paper flower cluster in its center. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a tear or two in my eye corners. Needless to say, I will treasure this.
I would like to end this blog post with a shout-out to the McGarry Family. You kept Maeve and me in fits of laughter this morning as we discussed your loyal readership over coffee. I'm so glad you are enjoying it!
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