During the World Population Day in 2022, Sherry* aged 18, was a guest at a local radio station in Migori County to talk about her life. The journey to this point was a long time in the making.
Sherry is a young mother living on care. She found out she was pregnant and HIV positive in Form One — the first year of her secondary education. Unfortunately, she lost her child, and since then she lived with the burden of HIV stigma and the pain of losing her child.
Just like other adolescents living with HIV, Sherry lived a secluded life. Because of low self-esteem, she could not face people and didn’t have friends in school.
All this changed when a Community Health Volunteer invited her to one of the training sessions hosted by DSW Kenya at a local Catholic Church. The three-day Personal Empowerment and Life Skills training sought to enhance the participants’ self-worth and esteem. It also encompassed training in handling stress and conflict and managing interpersonal relationships.
Although Sherry was hesitant to attend the training, and even showed up late, she sat through the session. The participants — adolescents just like her — were given the chance to share personal stories, and experiences living with HIV.
Listening to these stories changed Sherry’s negative self-perception. First, she realised she was not alone; other young people shared their experiences. Second, the interaction made it easier for her to make friends.
‘I was very afraid at first when I entered the room, but after meeting many girls who also live with HIV, I felt I was not alone’.
Importantly, she felt more confident and at ease to share her story.
That confidence and courage pushed Sherry on to a bigger stage: local radio. Her story touched many young people, who called in for advice and support. Most callers were on care and could not face the world due to stigma and discrimination.
Following the training on nutrition and food security, Sherry started a kitchen garden on a portion of land her father gave to her. Her intense interest in farming saw her use some savings to buy seedlings. So far, she has planted local vegetables to support her nutritional needs.
Thanks to the project, Sherry has gained a positive outlook on life and has reawakened her talents: she’s a good communicator and a fantastic farmer.
The name has been changed to protect the identity of the subject.
About Reaching The Last Girl
Reaching The Last Girl is a 36-month project designed to contribute to the advancement of Kenya’s socio economic development through universal access to comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment and care. Implemented in Kilifi South Sub County (Kilifi County) and Rongo Sub County (Migori County), the project aims at improving the health and well-being of Adolescent Mothers Living with HIV (10-19) and their children.
