Vhuhwavho, or “Woo” as we affectionately call her, continues to blaze significant, life-saving trails. Woo is HIV+ and with the encouragement of her mother, Sue-Anne, disclosed her status when she was nine years of age. As she grew older she began encouraging other youngsters to shed the stigma attached to the “shameful disease” and take responsibility for their own care. Word spread and soon clinics were calling Woo to speak to other HIV+ youngsters about the importance of managing their own daily ARV drug intake.
This
Fall Woo was invited to facilitate a 1-day Youth Summit in Cape Town.
Youngsters aged 13 to 19 from all 9 provinces were asked to write letters about
their experiences with the local health facilities, services and other health
issues. Woo was selected to attend along with 3 other teenagers from our VMS
ARV youth group…. a veritable WIN-WIN for Vhutshilo Mountain School!
 |
| Delegates to the Youth Summit in Cape Town |
Thanks
to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc of
Johnson & Johnson, to Relative
Networks, and to Beyond Zero, these
adolescents enjoyed a flight to Cape Town, 2 nights in a hotel and shared
personal stories of rape, abuse, drugs and alcohol use, and/or HIV/AIDS.
We
are all witnessing the momentous makings of an AIDS activist and motivational
speaker! We will try to keep you up to date on her rapid rise to prominence!
Congratulations,
Woo!
