Miwani Primary School

THEME: HIV Stigma and discrimination in Kenya • Even though awareness of HIV and AIDS in Kenya is high, many people living with the virus still face stigma and discrimination. Studies have shown that although people are aware of the basic facts about HIV and AIDS, many are not informed of the most in-depth knowledge that addresses issue of stigma. • One report revealed that of healthcare facilities that have policies to protect people living with HIV against discrimination, only a third admitted to implementing such policies. People are still afraid to disclose their status and will often avoid health centers that provide HIV services from fear of being seen by neighbours or community members. • Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya and therefore men who have sex with men face a high level of stigma and discrimination. In an attempt to find out to what extend HIV is affecting the gay community, a census for homosexuals would be the most effective methodology but with homosexual still illegal, it is unlikely to have the statistics to reflect the reality of HIV within the gay and lesbian community. • Poverty is a major issue in the local community and is directly linked to the spread of HIV/AIDS because poverty drives HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS drives poverty. This highlights the need for a multifaceted response to both problems, but particularly to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. • Both these problems disproportionately affect women and youth. The goal is to try and enable the local members address community issues, thus enhancing the economic and social empowerment of women and youth for poverty reduction in Gideon Mosi, and linking this with activities to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. These activities will also help strengthen rural community and their local economies. In the process being able to improve access to quality education for school children • The volunteers will be required to join hands together with community members in addressing the theme of the camp in order to empower the community to coming up with a more pro-active way of enhancing the academic development of community children.