Programs
The programs work together to educate community leaders, priests, HIV/AIDS caregivers, lay people and youth leaders in effective ways to communicate its message on ways to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, the importance of “knowing your status”, removing the stigma associated with having and speaking about HIV/AIDS, so intelligent conversation may be held to better educate people on cause and prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Siyafundisa (“Teaching our children”) and
Aribuisaneng (“Let’s talk to one another”) Youth Peer-to-Peer HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Programs
HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa has orphaned more than 14 million children in Sub-Saharan Africa. Many of the children are HIV positive and will not live to see their 25th birthday.
1131 North Laura Street s Jacksonville, Florida s USA s 32206
Phone: 904.355.0000 s www.bethechangeinternational.org
BTCI, in collaboration with Georgetown University’s School of Nursing and Health Studies and the Institute for Reproductive Health, and the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA), will work to improve the outcome for People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) by coordinating community resources to provide high quality care and services to those infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. To be most effective, BTCI will partner with existing in-country programs working with the more than 14 million children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS virus in southern Africa, HIV/AIDS caregivers and the nurses and clergy who address the physical needs of HIV/AIDS victims. BTCI will deliver its services and prevention message via the existing in-community infrastructure of the Anglican Church (offering care to people of all faiths and nationalities) and peer-to-peer youth educational programs.
Professional and emotional support is essential in keeping caregivers and clergy working with the millions of HIV/AIDS patients and their families from experiencing emotional and physical “burn out”.
“Walk With Me” Health Care Provider Assistance Program
BTCI is partnering with Siyafundisa and Aribuisaneng to help the four-year-old HIV/AIDS prevention education programs establish sustainability for future growth. Intensive training of community youth leaders throughout South Africa helps them become more comfortable and knowledgeable in ways to speak to their peers openly on the causes and prevention of HIV/AIDS. The program helps dispel the myths and misinformation that spreads between youth and reduces the stigma associated with speaking about, or having, HIV/AIDS.
Watch Siyafundisa’s Video To Learn More
