One of the remarkable achievements of the Home Based Care Programme (HBC) of Umoja Christian Community Intergrated Project (UCCIP) is the formation of the "Ber Bang Tich" group. The name is a Luo saying which means "Benefit after work".

The Group is composed entirely of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). After testing positive, they individually came into the open and declared their status. By doing so, they came to know each other and came together and started a Self-Help Group. They understand and appreciate the benefits of positive living and, instead of withdrawing and sulking over their condition, they are social, cheerful and active.

Another unusually positive aspect about the group is their willingness to welcome and talk to anyone who wants to know more about their group. Students of Home Based Care from different Districts frequently visit the project while on practical placements and, whenever this happens, the PLWHA are always handy with information and discussion.

To give recognition, strength, and encouragement to the Group, the Umoja Project selected one of them for training on HBC skills. The training took eleven (11) days from 10th - 24th May 2006 and was sponsored by Mildmay International. Mr. John Otieno attended and he is now the resource person for the Group and the community. He is now able to transfer HBC knowledge and skills to group members and other PLWHA in the community.

The most outstanding display of cooperation and commitment to care for one another took place on 8th June 2006 when the Group Members assisted John to build his house. The day was bright and sunny and members started arriving as early as 9:00 am.

Men did the actual work of building while women performed light duties like fetching water from a nearby community well and preparing food for those who were working, including themselves.

By 4:00 pm in the evening John had a new house at last although the structure was not quite complete due to a lack of roofing material.

So, "Ber Bang Tich" is a good example of how People Living with HIV / AIDS can improve their own lives and live longer. It is living proof that there is life after infection and that being HIV positive is not a death sentence.

William Dondi
UCCIP Field Worker

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