Florence Dallu
Nkosi Johnson was a brave young boy. He was born in South Africa with HIV and passed away when he was only eleven years old. He was a young hero. His fight against the discrimination of HIV infected children led to policies that allowed HIV positive children to go to school in South Africa.
You, too, can join the fight against the discrimination of HIV infected children.
The impact of HIV and Aids on children is devastating. Children are missing their parents, education and love because of Aids.
You can start by learning as much as you can about HIV and Aids. HIV education has been incorporated into the school curriculum. Pay attention in class. You will learn how to avoid getting infected and how to live with those who are affected. One way to avoid getting infected is to abstain from sexual intercourse.
Be nice to children who have the virus. You can visit homes for HIV infected children. One such centre is Nyumbani Children’s Home in Karen. Make a date with your friends and spend your Saturday afternoon there. This will offer you an opportunity to interact and play with these children. The experience is invaluable.
Finally, you can give to charities that donate to HIV infected children. Save some of your pocket money. The donation will enable the charity to provide better care for these children.
Nkosi Johnson said children with HIV and Aids are normal. They have hands. They have feet. They can walk and talk. They have needs just like everyone else. Do not be afraid of them. We are all the same.
The writer is a student at Daystar University.