This was a real family moment – a spontaneous song and dance session in the home of 15 year old Christine. With her younger sister clapping the rhythm, whilst mum and grandmother joined in the singing, Christine and her young cousin stepped and twirled in a lively dance. I sat and watched, noticing the affectionate gaze of a mother on her children.
But this was a family moment with a difference. Christine’s mother has HIV and is looking extremely thin and fragile. The girls may not have many more opportunities to gather memories of their mother as she is likely to die in the not so distant future. Their Dad is already dead.
It was also a song and dance with a difference. The words of the song carry an HIV and AIDS prevention message and, as members of Abisunzimana’s Stop AIDS Club, Christine and her friends perform the song and dance to raise awareness of HIV in their neighbourhoods.
Abisunzimana was established in 2002 by Madame Virginie Mvunabandi, wife of the Bishop of Gikongoro Diocese in rural south-west Rwanda. Madame Virginie and her husband live by example, encouraging the church to a lifestyle of putting God’s love into action. With this conviction Abisunzimana was birthed, to offer care and support to the many local children and their families affected by HIV and AIDS around the small town of Kigeme. Volunteers, many themselves HIV positive, visit homes to give practical care and friendship. Support groups for adults and children, that meet regularly in several locations, take away isolation and fear and bring a new sense of family. “When I first found out I had HIV I was afraid and shut myself away. But then I started going to a support group and I’ve found friendship and hope. Loneliness is taken away.” is the refrain heard time and again. Many, including Christine, also know the best hope of all is found in God.
Abisunzimana’s model is simple but effective. Churches in 5 neighbouring parishes have seen the impact and are now establishing similar works under Abisunzimana’s guidance.
Although still a teenager, Christine takes her family responsibilities seriously and does not shy away from the tough realities that lie ahead. She wants to finish her school studies so she will be able to earn money and look after her family once her mother has died. She would love to be a nurse or teacher and dreams of being able to afford their own home so they will no longer be dependent on her grandmother.
Later that week, in the local market place, I bump into Christine and two of her friends, also orphaned by AIDS. Three teenage girls, chatting and giggling as they stroll around. Their futures hold huge challenges, but, with the support and friendships that Abisunzimana brings, they seem to have found the courage and determination to look ahead with optimistic eyes.
Abisunzimana is a partner project of The Bethany Children's Trust
