Education

Girls at Majenjeni Primary

In the villages, a diagnosis of HIV is no longer a death sentence. Villagers know that untreated HIV/ AIDS kills, however, they are also aware that any anti- retro viral medication is available. Still many villagers often do not want to know their HIV status. Imani project volunteers encourage all villagers who are ill to be tested for HIV/ AIDS.

During the past seven summers, Marlene and the Imani Project volunteers have taught HIV/AIDS education awareness at fifty primary schools in villages and in Malindi. The largest school, Kijiwetanga Primary, has an enrollment of over 2500 students. The HIV/AIDS lesson was taught to 6th, 7th and 8th standard students. Often these students are much older as they have needed to drop out of school to help their families, or because the money for fees and school uniforms was not available.

The HIV/AIDS lesson taught in schools and villages contains handouts with pictures, since many of the villagers do not read English or Kiswahili. Extensive consultation is done with the teachers to make sure an appropriate level of information is given to the students. The focus is on making healthy choices, encouraging adolescents to think carefully about sexuality. The handouts essentially clarify how HIV/AIDS is spread (unsafe sexual contact, infected body fluid transfer, specifically blood, mother to baby), as well as how it is NOT spread. Often there is confusion as to whether a kiss or a hug can transfer the virus. Children and adults are cautioned against sharing needles, razors, or hair cutting shears or knives. Adult villagers were given HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention classes which lasted about 2 hours. Classes were held for men and women separately, as the women were much more comfortable talking about sexuality if the men were not present.

HIV/AIDS class for women in Misufini Village

In Misufini village, over 400 men and women came to the class. All received handouts, condoms and a 2 kg. bag of unga or flour. Additionally, they received very specific instructions on how to correctly use a condom. During the classes we gave out thousands of condoms, as well as establishing local condom distribution centers. The nearest HIV/AIDS testing and counseling center is 8 kilometers away in Malindi town. The Imani project pays for transportation cost when appropriate. The ultimate answer to the HIV/AIDS pandemic lies in education and awareness, raising the age of first sexual contact, monogamy, and "zero grazing". However, the immediate solution to the skyrocketing HIV infection rate is the use of condoms. Twenty nine million Africans have already died of HIV/AIDS or related secondary infections. Approximately 15% of the population in Kenya is infected, and most are unaware they carry the virus.

In spite of the tremendous difficulties (poverty, famine, disease) and constant losses, the villagers demonstrate faith, courage, and kindness toward one another. Their spirit is indomitable; they see life as a precious gift and feel grateful for whatever they have. We continually feel humbled by their generosity and faith in one another and their community.

To continue the extremely important work of HIV/AIDS education, awareness and prevention in the rural villages, the Imani Project needs funding. All donors will receive letters confirming tax deductible status of donation, and a personal note from the Director explaining how the funds were used.