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Country Profiles |
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Nuru ya Jamii Helps PLHA Build Job Skills |
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But the students were unaware of the sorrow her constant smile concealed. The 22-year-old woman's father, Mose, died in 2000 of an AIDS-related illness. Sarah's mother, Ann Kemuma, was also HIV-positive, and lost her job because her persistent chest pains made it difficult for her to work. And Sarah, who had to care for her bedridden mother, became pregnant in 2002 — seemingly dashing her dreams of attending college. "My mother is a strong woman and if she was well, I know she would have managed to take good care of us," Sarah said. The family's fortunes dramatically changed when an aunt referred Sarah and Ann to Nuru ya Jamii. Community health workers counseled Ann and referred her to the Nakuru hospital for free ARVs and clinical support services. Her health has since improved so much she now helps care for her granddaughter, Ann. Nuru ya Jamii (PDF, 123 KB) also enrolled Sarah in her hairdressing course at Mwangaza College. The classes have helped the young mother put her painful past behind her. Sarah has made many new friends at the college, some of whom either have HIV-positive parents or are orphans. In addition, Nuru ya Jamii has provided two of Sarah's siblings with school uniforms. Sarah is now confident a bright future awaits her. "I believe I cannot miss a job with the skills I am getting in this course," she exclaimed. "I can even start my own salon using the equipment they gave me." PHOTO: Sarah Mose with her granddaughter, Ann. (Nuru Ya Jamii) See also: Turning the Tide: Nuru ya Jamii (6,700 KB movie) |
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JANUARY 2007 — To many of her fellow students in Nakuru, Kenya, Sarah Mose was a fortunate young woman. She always seemed happy and well prepared for her hairdressing classes.