It’s Kuku time!!!
Mambo from Tanzania! VP2 is off to a great start, and the team is settling into Mamire Ward. Since the beginning of the program, the group has taught well over 4000 people, had 4 testing days, and organized 2 huge soccer tournaments! While all these amazing events have been keeping us busy, we have also been very privileged to meet with the HIV positive support group of Mamire Ward. The support group consists of 20 of the most joyous and strong people I have ever met (including one of the homestay Mama) all of whom are openly living with their HIV positive status. Over the past few years, the group has combated stigma in the village and has been a huge emotional support to those who have recently discovered their HIV positive status. Despite all the barriers this group has overcome, HIV/AIDS is still a reality in Mamire and stigma is a constant struggle. Just this past week, a members of the group has past away from disease, reminding us of the true devastation HIV/AIDS has on communities.
While support groups do offer some basic emotional and instrumental aid for people living with HIV, often times these monthly meetings are not enough. We have found that our presence in Mamire may be an opportunity to bring a more tangible sense of stability, support and empowerment to these people. My fellow coordinators and I have spent the last few weeks researching the building of a communal chicken coop for this HIV-positive support group. Similar “Kuku Projects” (kuku means chicken in Swahili) in the past have proven to be an extremely effective way of providing financial aid and a sustainable source of protein-rich food for people living with HIV. Kuku Projects have also done wonders in reducing the debilitating effects of stigma in rural villages.
In order to realize our goal of building a sustainable chicken coop, we have set a fundraising goal of $2000. Any donation would be incredibly meaningful in turning our dream into a reality. Donations instructions have been included at the bottom of this email. Thank you for your time, generosity, and continuous support!
HOW YOU CAN DONATE Support for International Change is a non-profit, non–governmental organization. This emans donations directly to the organization are tax-deductible, as SIC is a 501©(3) organization. Donations of any amount would be greatly appreciated. You can sponsor our effort by following this link: www.sichange.org/test/get-involved/donate. Then click on “Donate online” near the bottom of the pate. Under designation, please write “VP2 Kuku Project”. You will receive a receipt for the donation well before the end of the fiscal year.
Please let us know if you would like any more information about the project, or would like to receive updates in the future about the success of our Kuku project!
