There was a huge component
of the South by Southwest camps that I have left out, as I wanted to give it
its own post.
In order for these camps
to run successfully, we apply for grants.
The grant we usually go for is called a VAST, Volunteer Activities Support and Training, grant. This grant is funded by PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief, thus
the project must contribute to the prevention of HIV. The camps accomplish this is many ways,
typically by having a session about HIV awareness, education, prevention, and
positive living. Some camps chose to have
voluntary counseling and testing, VCT, while others do not.
South
by Southwest chose to have TASO, The AIDS Support Organization, come and
perform VCT for those campers, counselors, and staff that wanted to
participate.
After
a morning where the campers were educated on the modes of transmission, myths
of HIV/AIDS, and much more, they were able to ask questions, watch a drama and
hear positive testimonies from people in TASO.
As these events concluded, the staff was up first to show our support
for the campers by getting tested. With
the cheers of the campers behind us we went in.
One
by one each animal group came to get tested.
I was grinning ear to ear to see the support of everyone as the campers
went in to get their finger pricked.
Hands were clapping, cheers were being sung, and tunnels were being made
that allowed the campers to run through after getting tested. The positive energy was infectious.
Now
some campers chose not to get tested because they already knew their status and
did not want to have to relive going through the process again. I happen to personally know one of the
campers who chose this, as it is someone I have worked with at a local
orphanage. This did not stop that
individual from cheering on the group and supporting everyone as they went in.
Then
came the giraffe group. Everyone was
getting tested and it was down to one girl who was hesitant. I went over to her to show my support and ask
what she was scared of.
“What
are you fearing?”
No
answer.
“Is
it the result or the prick of the needle?”
“The needle” she said so softly I literally
had my ear pressed to her lips.
I
told her it was no more than a small prick and even demonstrated by pinching
her fingertip. I then showed her my
finger and said that everything would be alright and that she has the support
of everyone at camp, myself included.
After some tears she was ready.
As
she entered the testing area she turned around and said, “Tara, will you come
with me and hold my hand.”
I
didn’t even have to answer. I was
sitting right beside her.
She
filled out the paperwork and as she took a seat in the testing chair her body
began to tremble. I sat there holding
her hand and reassuring that it would be over in a flash. And in a flash it was. She shed some more tear as I cradled her with
open arms but she did it. She conquered
a fear.
Fast
foreword to that evening. Each camper
was called one by one into a classroom with a counselor from TASO. I kept the other campers entertained with
friendship bracelets and stories as their fellow campers were receiving their
results. Everything went smoothly and I
was happy to see questions being answered by professionals.
The
campers were told that their results are their own and it is up to them to
share if they want.
As
I sat on the bench that night finishing my dinner of cabbage and pineapple, up
came that giraffe camper that had feared getting tested.
“Tara,
I want to show you my result.”
“Are
you sure? This is your choice and I don’t
want you to feel like you have to show me.”
“Of
course I am sure. Without your support I
would not have had the courage to go and get tested.”
I
am not making this up.
She
opened up her paper and before my eyes I saw her status as negative. I gave her a giant hug and passed some
encouraging words along to her.
Then
minutes later one of my campers from National GLOW, who happened to be at this
camp as well comes up and wants to show me her result. She explained that I have been somewhat of a
role model and mentor to her and she felt like I could be someone who could be
trusted with her status.
Negative.
Like
the first, I gave her a giant hug and encouraged her to continue to be a
support to others, to pass the knowledge along, and to continue to be the
change.
That
night we had someone very special come and speak to the campers, Emmanuel. Emma lives up in Gulu and I had the privilege
of meeting him when I was up north for the camps the week before. Emma is living positively with HIV and he
shared his story. He is a young
individual at 17 years. I believe. He
was born with HIV and wanted to tell the campers that no matter your status,
you can live a long positive life.
Most
importantly, that you can be yourself.
The ABC's
