Sepiso found out she was HIV+ when she was only 14 years old, three years later, with the support of TTF, she is a teen mentor, working to help younger HIV+ children understand their diagnosis and live positive lives. Here she shares her story with you:
I grew up with my aunt and cousin in a one room flat in Lusaka. Both my parents passed when I was a child, but I didnt' question why as there are often unexplained deaths in the community. One day I came across groups playing football and talking about HIV so I decided to get tested. I didn't think about the results so when I found out I was HIV+ I was scared and struggled to accept my diagnosis. I honestly thought I was the only one and so became withdrawn.
Justin, a social worker at TTF, convinced me to come to a support group - it was here I met a lot of other HIV+ children and I knew I wasn't alone. Working in a group with others going through the same things I was going through really helped me to come to terms with my status, to understand the importance of drug adherence and has inspired me to help others who are HIV+.
I grew up with my aunt and cousin in a one room flat in Lusaka. Both my parents passed when I was a child, but I didnt' question why as there are often unexplained deaths in the community. One day I came across groups playing football and talking about HIV so I decided to get tested. I didn't think about the results so when I found out I was HIV+ I was scared and struggled to accept my diagnosis. I honestly thought I was the only one and so became withdrawn.
Justin, a social worker at TTF, convinced me to come to a support group - it was here I met a lot of other HIV+ children and I knew I wasn't alone. Working in a group with others going through the same things I was going through really helped me to come to terms with my status, to understand the importance of drug adherence and has inspired me to help others who are HIV+.
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So about 18 months ago I was offered the opportunity to train to become a teen mentor and run support groups and I knew it was something I wanted to do.
As a mentor I am constantly learning about HIV and the challenges other children face which helps me in my own daily life. Sometimes its hard, people assume you have all the answers and I don't, but the TTF Counsellors are always on hand to support us with difficult queries.
I have seen a lot of children grow in confidence and transform their attitudes during our support groups at TTF. Being a mentor has helped me to realise I want to help more children to lead healthy lives and have the confidence to strive for the best for themselves.
I am very lucky because my aunt is a teacher and so has worked with my other uncles and aunts to support me in getting the best education possible. Next year I am hoping to go study medicine at university and become a pediatric doctor, so I can help more children get fit and lead a healthy life. I know I can do it and with TTF's support am healthy enough to.
Coming to TTF isn't like going to a government clinic, the staff and other patients are like an extended family and are so supportive. If I could encourage people to donate to TTF and talk to them about it I definitely would. I have seen first hand what TTF can do, they can transform lives, like they have mine.
As a mentor I am constantly learning about HIV and the challenges other children face which helps me in my own daily life. Sometimes its hard, people assume you have all the answers and I don't, but the TTF Counsellors are always on hand to support us with difficult queries.
I have seen a lot of children grow in confidence and transform their attitudes during our support groups at TTF. Being a mentor has helped me to realise I want to help more children to lead healthy lives and have the confidence to strive for the best for themselves.
I am very lucky because my aunt is a teacher and so has worked with my other uncles and aunts to support me in getting the best education possible. Next year I am hoping to go study medicine at university and become a pediatric doctor, so I can help more children get fit and lead a healthy life. I know I can do it and with TTF's support am healthy enough to.
Coming to TTF isn't like going to a government clinic, the staff and other patients are like an extended family and are so supportive. If I could encourage people to donate to TTF and talk to them about it I definitely would. I have seen first hand what TTF can do, they can transform lives, like they have mine.
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