GODFREY'S CHILDREN

A Project of Hope

Community AIDS Forums consist of two consecutive forums - one for children infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS, and one for the entire community - occurring over six days in total. The goals of the Community AIDS Forums are to identify the needs of the children in order to develop and implement community projects based on these needs, and to enhance the local leadership capacities needed to implement these projects.

The Community AIDS Forums are a collaborative initiative between Godfrey's Children (with support from partner organizations such as the African Regional Youth Initiative) and Africa Bridge. Africa Bridge is a non-profit organization located in the U.S. who assist in the development of African initiatives to the challenges created by HIV/AIDS.

Objectives of the AIDS Forums:

Conduct two 3-day Forums utilizing the Future Search model.

Involve at least 60 community members representing a cross-section of the local population.

Develop at least two concrete projects to be managed and implemented within the community.

Provide technical and financial assistance to local leaders during project planning and ongoing assistance during project implementation.

Results from Community AIDS Forums in Tanzania:

Community AIDS Forums were conducted in Idweli, Tanzania from November 7-12, 2002. The purpose of these Forums was to assist the village in identifying the needs of 150 orphans and other children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS and deciding what to do to address those needs. The children and adults identified the following priorities; shelter; food; education; health care; freedom to play; and love.

The children (orphans and vulnerable children) identified five income generating projects that they could work on. These are; cultivating vegetables; raising chickens to provide eggs, fish farming; planting trees to provide lumber; and traditional crafts.

The adults decided on eleven projects centered on two areas. First, projects building and /or improving village infrastructure, tasks ranged from creating an Orphan Center and a Health Center to road development and laying water pipes. The second group addressed orphan and village sustainability. Examples included purchasing cows to provide milk for orphans and purchasing a community tractor to improve agricultural productivity.

Below is a newsletter written by Barry Childs, Director of Africa Bridge, on his trip to Tanzania in August 2002 to finalize preparations for the November Forums.

Community AIDS Forums- Idweli, Tanzania

Africa Bridge Newsletter

August 2002

 

 

 

Dear Friends,

 On July 13th I set out on a four and half week trip to Africa. The purpose of the journey was to prepare for the November Forums in Idweli, Tanzania and to find new partners for Africa Bridge. The purposes were accomplished. We are ready for the Idweli Forums, we have three collaborators in South Africa and new possibilities in Tanzania.

Two groups of people made a major impact on me during this journey. Firstly, the elders I met in Tanzania. The elders here are an integral part of the community. Most have little or no money, yet they raise funds to refurbish hospitals, plant trees, look after sick people and care for orphans. Above all they were accessible to all in the community, particularly young people. Their presence is positive and energizing.

Secondly, the children of Africa. I met children in a squatter camp in Soweto, just outside of Johannesburg, where the adult unemployment rate is 80%. In Tanzania I met many children, some were HIV positive, some were orphans most had parents. All were loved. The average person in Tanzania lives on $260 a year, the average amount spent on health care per person per annum is what you and I would spend at Starbucks for an espresso coffee. These children have little by western standards, yet they are vital and creative. They make beautiful toys from scrap-wire, they make footballs from old plastic bags and string. Their smiles engage you, their laughter is intoxicating. However, these children are very vulnerable. If they become sick or their parents become ill or die, the resources for them are thin. Africa Bridge and Godfrey’s Children has a vision to help a community in Tanzania called Idweli provide for the long term well being of their vulnerable children.

Idweli is a rural farming near the city of Mbeya in South Western Tanzania. This area is remote, a 12 hour bus ride from Dar-es-Salaam, the nearest International Airport. HIV/AIDS is a serious problem here. Idweli was the home village of Dr. Godfrey Msemwa the founder of Everyone’s Child. Godfrey was a charismatic young doctor who was tragically drowned in Dar-es-Salaam, after his death the organization was renamed Godfrey’s Children in his honor. The mission is to support children who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and they are sponsored by the International Federation of Medical Students. Godfrey’s Children is our partner in Tanzania.

The principles of the upcoming Forums:

-get the “whole” community to decide how to provide for the well being of vulnerable children and orphans

-use dialogue to focus on the future

-identify common ground rather than resolving conflicts

-and take responsibility today for actions to ensure a desired future

Idweli is high up in the mountains. The land is fertile, the climate cool and damp.

Monday August 5th Idweli

This morning the chief had gathered his whole council to meet with Furaha and I. First we went to see a large piece of land adjoining the village that had been set aside with the help of Godfrey and the council for the orphans. The vision is that there must be space for buildings, recreation and cultivation. We then went to see the village hall where we are going to run the Forums. It is very basic and it is going to be a tight fit. We will make it work.

 

 

In summary, children in Africa are vulnerable. The leadership of Idweli wants to provide for the long-term well being of it’s most vulnerable children. Africa Bridge can help them decide how and Godfrey’s Children can support them in implementing the actions.

The purpose of the Idweli Forums is to:

-Identify the needs of vulnerable children and orphans in Idweli

-Define the actions and projects to provide for the children’s long-term well being.

 

There will be two Forums this November:

-Forum for Vulnerable Children & Orphans [50 participants]

-Forum for the representatives of the village of Idweli (includes eight children from the Children’s Forum) [64 participants]

Godfrey’s Children and TAMSA (Tanzanian Medical Students Association) are committed to supporting the village of Idweli in executing the resulting projects. In addition Furaha and I met with organizations such as UNICEF, USAID, National Bank of Commerce, Rotary International, the Royal Netherlands Embassy, World Vision and the Social Action Trust Fund to solicit support for the projects during 2003 and 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

Many thanks.

Barry.