Growing up in a country faced with the HIV pandemic it becomes a routine to hear at least a word or two on HIV & AIDS related issues affecting the nation. As early as when we are six years old, we become accustomed to AIDS related stories, whether just myths or the reality on the ground. As we grow into youths we are made aware that there is this deadly pandemic that we need to deal with, including developing a positive mind to live in a positive world.
We find shade from the sun on the steps of the Chituka youth club (Nkhata Bay District, Malawi) and take a seat. He looks at me gleefully and tells me his name is Douglas Banda. He is 19, a carpenter, and an example of what community-based education can achieve. His account is as follows…
I have met a man in Rowa. A man who has taught me endlessly about strength. His name does not matter, his title does not matter. His story does. In 2004, after suffering from chronic dermatitis, he decided to get tested and was confirmed as living with HIV.
One of the most frustrating things that ICS volunteers go through is that, despite all the effort we put into delivering our projects, we don’t necessarily get to see the impact of our work. I have been in Malawi for almost six months. I have worked with numerous youth groups, schools, and with the community in general delivering information about Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), knowing that I might not see the end result of my work.
For International World AIDS Day on 1 December, our ICS volunteers in Malawi have conducted three interviews within the communities that they are volunteering in showcasing strong individuals that are living with HIV. HIV is no longer a death sentence, with many people living with HIV all over the world leading a normal, healthy life. Here are their #storiesofstrength.
Zelina’s story
Zelina is 40 years old and lives in Malawi. She has been living with HIV since 2007.
For International World AIDS Day on 1 December, our ICS volunteers in Zimbabwe have conducted four interviews within the communities that they are volunteering in showcasing strong individuals that are living with HIV. HIV is no longer a death sentence, with many people living with HIV all over the world leading a normal, healthy life. Here are their #storiesofstrength.
Richard’s story
This story is based on the information given by Richard, a 46 years old male who is living positively with HIV in Mutare, Zimbabwe.
Living with HIV has always been tricky. There’s always a lot to deal with. Raphael Nkosi a village Headman at Ekaiweni village, T/A Mtwalo in Mzimba District, however, finds it easier now that he has disclosed his status in the open. Here is Raphael’s story.
In order to raise awareness of our partner organisation - the Centre for Girls and Interaction (CEGI) - and our involvement as Progressio ICS volunteers we decided to organise a Community Football and Netball Tournament at our local community ground. As one of our main targets on our programme is to promote HIV testing and counselling (HTC) to as many young people as possible, we also planned to offer free HIV testing.
After a week of much travelling from England to Lilongwe then on to Mzuzu, our project work with our partner organisation, Tovwirane, is starting to take shape. The team is growing in confidence and getting to know each other. We are taking each day one step at a time and hoping to play a major part in making a difference by educating target groups and changing perceptions about HIV & AIDS in Mzuzu.
In Malawi, local organisations have struggled for years to get young people engaged with the issues that surround HIV and AIDS, such as stigma and healthy living. The Coalition of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (COWLHA) has found that Progressio ICS volunteers have made the difference. Here is one story that shows how young people are finally aware of the impact HIV and AIDS is having in their country.
