HIV/AIDS Is Not Just Something to Read About

I had always heard and read about the problem of HIV/AIDS but I had never come into contact with people who actually had it. Plus, I had never really paid attention to the fact that it's not just something that effects people in Africa. It effects everyone, everywhere and it is very easily prevented. Because Jenny and Geoff work so closely with the clinic we were able to see first hand the implications of having AIDS. We, healthy teenagers, walked the two hours to and from the clinic and were exhausted. We went with local volunteers on house visits meeting people who are fighting for every day and trying to remain positive. We learned their stories and saw what was being done to help them and what they were doing to help themselves. One of my friends even provided money to purchase and install a new roof for one man. (Props to Emily Aronson)


One of the activities in which women can participate is a basket making group. Sila is in charge and her story is absolutely incredible. She was married to a government official and tested positive for HIV/AIDS. When she told him he kicked her and her children out of his house. Jenny and others helped her get started with the basket making, I'm pretty sure she didn't know how to make them before that, and she is now the best. Her baskets are perfect and her attitude is amazing. All of the wrinkles on Sila's face have been caused by smiling and laughter, you can just tell. She is surviving and inspiring other women to take up the hobby to help support their families. They are being educated and empowered. Women are not typically encouraged to speak up for themselves, a fact that definitely contributes to the 50+% infected rate in women in the Mufindi region. It's estimated that over 40% of the population in the area is infected. Craziness. I can't even comprehend. But, the minute you educate people, especially the women and children, I believe that change will come. The more they know the more they can prevent—the more they realize that they are in control of their own lives.


During the house visits the children impacted me the most. We saw two little girls, both with HIV, one was seven and the other nine and I could not stop thinking about the fact that they will suffer with this forever. They are so very young and already they have experienced more than I might ever. Yet, they are surviving. Although neither of them looked extraordinarily positive (can you blame them?) they are still fighting for this chance. Their lives will always be different, but it's a difference that has the possibility to make them so much stronger. I have such hope for them. As they grow up they can continue to share their experiences, teach and inspire people, and prevent this from happening in the future. All they have to do is try.


Learning about the implications of HIV/AIDS changed all of us, but two in particular were inspired to start a non-profit to help raise money for a program Jenny and Geoff started. Sally Caruso and Olivia Wilson started Food for Thought and the money they raise goes to a program that provides mothers in the Mufindi region living with HIV/AIDS with milk powder when their child reaches the age of six months. That's the age when the virus can enter into the child's blood stream through tiny cuts in the intestinal walls caused by the solid foods to which the child is being introduced. We can help these children. Sure, it's something small, but small actions can change more than we think. All these kids need is to be given a chance to succeed. They are the future.


Food for Thought: http://foodforthoughttz.weebly.com