STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 2: NURTURING COMMUNITIES We work with local and national partners to provide health and social services for children and young people in a friendly, safe environment. OUR OUTCOMES
We believe everyone in the community has a shared responsibility to ensure children and young people grow up in a safe and nurturing environment where their needs are met. We want: • Children and young people to access youth-friendly services offered by national and community stakeholders • Improved and effective collaboration between local service providers ensuring greater support, protection and inclusion ACHIEVEMENTS IN LESOTHO & BOTSWANA
In Lesotho, parental engagement sessions were carried out providing parents, caregivers, and community leaders information on youth-friendly services and how to access them, covering topics such as sexual and reproductive health and rights education, gender-based violence, and guidance on parent-child communication. Over 1,200 caregivers were reached with messaging on gender-based violence and human rights. In Botswana, a skills building activity was conducted in the Mabutsane district involving 32 children and 30 caregivers. The session built upon the learning at our Let Youth Lead
Advocates Mental Health Retreat, July 2021, and addressed mental health challenges which have been magnified by Covid-19, as well as stigma towards children or youth living with HIV, its impact on adherence, and poor parentchild communication leading to tensions within the families. Let Youth Lead advocates were speakers, moderators, and facilitators of national and regional online engagements. Topics included the realities and experiences of young people and actions to be taken to address them. This opened doors for our advocates to take an advisory role on Global Fund proposals and priorities together with representation and input in other forums.
It takes a village to raise a child.”
SUCCESS STORY HEALTH CENTRE STAFF SAVE YOUNG BOY’S LIFE
Thato is a 12-year-old living with HIV from Lesotho’s capital city, Maseru. He lost his mother when he was just three weeks old and has since been raised by his grandmother with limited support from his father.
Thato is a 12-year-old living with HIV from Lesotho’s capital city, Maseru. He lost his mother when he was just three-weeks-old and has since been raised by his grandmother with limited support from his father. He is enrolled in Sentebale’s Network Clubs and Camps programme for children living with HIV. Over the years, he has struggled with feelings of abandonment. When his father remarried, deserting him completely, Thato gave up on life and refused to take his medication. Thato’s viral load increased and his attitude during the Sentebale club meetings changed. He stopped participating in the activities, withdrew and picked fights with his fellow clubbers. His attitude and change in viral load raised concern with club leaders and healthcare workers. “Thato came to one of the facility staff members one day to tell her that he hated his father and would stop taking his medication so that he would die. This was the last straw; this is when we decided to do a home visit,” said the healthcare worker at the facility. A meeting was scheduled with Thato’s grandmother and father. During the meeting the facility staff explained the importance of supporting Thato not just physically but emotionally as well. They emphasised the importance of his father’s presence in his life. They stated that the situation at home really affected Thato and if it did not change, he would fall ill as he had stopped taking his medication. Since the meeting, Thato’s father has been present in his life and his wellbeing has improved with him taking his treatment, feeling happier, and participating in club activities.
Thato sometimes comes by the facility to tell us that he is getting immense support from his father and that things have changed for the better since the meeting.” HEALTHCARE WORKER
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