My new friend Charles is such a bubbly, happy man with wonderful energy. He was a joy to live with and to get to know. We would sit around and have discussions about life in America and Africa, at great lengths, and I am grateful for his company. He runs one of the largest AIDS organizations in Bagamoyo, called UKUN.
UKUN is a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit making organization and its mission is to contribute to the prevention and mitigation of the HIV/AIDS pandemic through sensitization and the provision of comprehensive home-based care services and support to People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) and Orphans and Most Vulnerable Children (OVC).
It is a wonderful organization that truly supports the community, even at times when the primary, umbrella donor hasn’t released the promised funds for what can be up to 5 months. Such political BS!!! That is an entirely other topic of discussion: The corruption in Tanzania and most of Africa. UKUN then has to make do with whatever resources they can find. Sometimes the funds happen to come right out o Charles’s pocket, which I find very unfortunate. Other times people affected and or exposed don’t get to receive medicine, and or adequate care. We have had many discussions on the AIDS epidemic issues(s), and I’ve learned such a great deal about the problems that these poverty stricken communities, and families have to endure when taken by, and or exposed to HIV/AIDS.
One of the main problems is if a family member is taken by HIV/AIDS then the, obviously, the entire family is affected. Not only is the medicine incredibly expensive, but it will make you very sick and weak, and without food and proper care, the individual and all who are exposed, suffer. I know I am not an expert on this issue. I am just sharing what I have been learning.
For example if a mother contracts the virus then she is too sick and weak to work, let alone make meals for herself and her family. In most cases, the family is already living in poverty, so they can’t afford to put a solid meal on the table. With little to eat, the mother lacks the nutrition and energy necessary to sustain her work, with no work there is no money, no money, no food for children, and no uniforms so they can go to school. Children must have a uniform to attend school. No uniform, NO school. NO education. NO future job, and the cycle continues.
If mother unfortunately dies, then who is left to take care of the family and the children? Therefore, the family unit and entire community suffer. This is a HUGE, common problem, and as a result there are many orphanages and homeless individuals. Many times a grandmother, who many times lives with the family, or older sibling cannot support the family. In turn, the children have to spend a few days, if not all their time, at an orphanage where they can get food and shelter. This is where the term “vulnerable” children comes from. It breaks my heart.
It is my plan to start working with Charles a day or two a week, wherever he needs my help. He has other volunteers from CCS, yet I can probably help in the areas where they are not contributing.
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