Responding to HIV and AIDS

It seems no time at all since an Ukufundela Ubomi (Education for Life) UK team delivered the first HIV/AIDS education and training programme with our South African partner in the Eastern Cape in January 2004. Nobody could have predicted then that the Ukufundela Ubomi partnership could have progressed so far in two years, but November 2005 saw a UUUK team setting off to complete the first phase in establishing a self-sufficient HIV/AIDS programme within the rural communities.

Five years ago nobody mentioned HIV or AIDS — a person was ‘sick’ or died ‘of that thing’. Funerals were conducted on Saturdays only. While the stigma remains, HIV and AIDS can no longer be denied. Communities and churches are overwhelmed by the loss of so many young people. Funerals now occur on any day of the week and people have to make difficult choices as to which funeral they will attend.

AVOAM and City Gate Church have risen to the challenge by working together to establish the project. On November 25th 2005 at Kum Bible College fifteen Regional Co-ordinators proudly received their certificates of accreditation to educate and train others in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and how to care for neighbours and relatives infected with the virus. The South African team started making home visits to support affected neighbours and to challenge stigma in January. They are also delivering an HIV and AIDS education programme to their local schools.

Written by City Gate Church, Brighton