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by Pauline Karani, WiRED Program Manager
The youth in Kiambu, Kenya came together with the aim to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS in their community. Tired of seeing their parents, brothers and sisters die of the disease, they decided they would do all in their power to stop this disease. They engaged in drama and the production of songs and poems that would keep their community informed about HIV/AIDS. Then, with the help of WiRED International and The Firelight Foundation, the group was trained in the use of information technology and a WiRED Community Health Information Center was established in their area.
As soon as the doors of the Center were opened in 2002, people began to stream in. Some came out of curiosity about how to use a computer, and others came out of the genuine need to get healthcare information. Whatever the intention, they all left the Center with lifesaving information about HIV/AIDS.
These youth venture daily into the streets and into the shops, hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers to let people know about the Center. Each month the Center receives more than 600 visitors. To these youth, serving the community is a most fulfilling experience. One of them, Bernard Maracha, said, "I have found that I am not just an assistant to the clients. I am also a friend, a confidant, a shoulder to cry on, a teacher, a sounding board — practically everything. I love my work and the more people I see accessing health information, the more fulfilled I feel."
Indeed, the feeling of fulfillment led John Oduor, another of the Kiambu youth, to reach out to a special group of people — the disabled. As a disabled individual, John knew first-hand that disabled people throughout the country have been neglected in the HIV/AIDS education initiatives. Their special challenges often prevent them from visiting the Centers. In addition, many of the disabled people languish in poverty and are at the mercy of their able-bodied relatives who lack information about how to adequately care for them. Worse still, some are exploited financially and sexually.
John spearheaded the development of a health information program specifically for the disabled and their caregivers. This WiRED program is based on the following objectives:
- To create awareness among the disabled about diseases like HIV/AIDS/STDs, and other health issues/information
- To provide caregivers with skills that enable them to conduct their roles effectively and confidently
- To reduce marginalization of the disabled and close their information gap
- To improve the accessibility to health information to the disabled
- To create forums that encourage discussions about disabilities and reduce stigma
- To intensify the participation and integration of disabled individuals into existing health information programs
Each of the WiRED Community Health Information Centers in Kenya is now making special efforts to reach the disabled. For instance, the youth use the "Pack 'N Go" computers to visit deaf students in their schools. In addition, John Oduor is coordinating with relevant government organizations to increase access to these individuals. Another initiative will result in a comprehensive database of disabled organizations that can be served by WiRED's Community Health Information Centers.
WiRED is grateful to these youth for making a difference in their community and to The Firelight Foundation for supporting the HIV/AIDS prevention efforts of these young people.
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