Categories of teachers resulting from hiv stigmatization in kenya kenepote
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Transcript of Categories of teachers resulting from hiv stigmatization in kenya kenepote
3RD NATIONAL PEER EDUCATORS CONFERENCE-19TH JUNE,2008 TOPIC: CATEGORIES OF TEACHERS RESULTING FROM HIV STIGMATIZATION THEME:STIGMA - LET’S ACT NOW
KICC NAIROBI- KENYA
ABSTRACT
Stigmatization faced by HIV positive teachers in Kenya is a reflection of stigma in the society. Both PEER and PSYCHO-SOCIAL by support groups of KENEPOTE is very crucial for the infected teacher. While systems that work either directly or indirectly expect normal performance from the HIV positive teacher, many HIV positive teachers still need internal and external support level to challenge the various stigmas that cross their path.
PEER EFFECT ON THE TEACHERS IN STIGMA REDUCTION
• Teachers in schools who are HIV positive and belong to KENEPOTE tend to have improved quality of life, and are more productive.
• The affected teacher who in many instances carries the burden of the infected and needs to understand the effects of stigma
• Learners in learning institutions tend to identify with teachers who are open about their status and seek support from them
• Parents also consult HIV positive teachers on matters of health.• Affected teachers and the community also seek the counsel of HIV
positive teachers
Therefore, this paper will focus on:
CATEGORIES OF
TEACHERS
RESULTING FROM
HIV AND AIDS
STIGMA
and suggest some strategies
PRESENTENTED BY National Treasurer-KENEPOTE
Background of KENEPOTE
(KENEPOTE) is an acronym for Kenya Network of HIV positive teachers with 51 psycho-social support groups spread in the country. It has been in existence since 2004 and has a membership of about 4000. From sick leave, absenteeism and ex-gratia among others, it is estimated that 11,000 out the 240,000 teachers in Kenya could be HIV positive.
VISION
The vision of KENEPOTE is to reduce stigma and discrimination so that the HIV positive teacher and their OVCS can access to care and support for an improved quality of life .
Governance and structure
NATIONAL BOARDCHAIR,SECRETARY
TREASURER
PROVINCIALCOORDINATORS DISTRICT
COORDINATORS
STAKEHOLDERS
KENEPOTESUPPORT GROUPS
KENEPOTE’S STRATEGY
• ADVOCACY-media, meetings & conferences
• PEER EDUCATION AND CAPACITY BULDING
• GROUP THERAPY / PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT
• NETWORKING WITH PLWHS • COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION• NEGOTIATING WITH POLICY
MAKERS,DONORS
PARTNERSHIP
NATIONAL AIDS
CONTROLCOUNCIL
WOFAK
ACTIONAID
PLANINTERNATIONAL
KISUMU
PEPFARHEALTHPOLICY
INITIATIVE
CEDPATHE
MEDIA
LOCALCOMMUNITIES
DEVELOPMENTPARTNERS
KNUT
THE WORLD BANK
TEACHERSSERVICE
COMMISSION
KENEPOTE
CATEGORIES OF TEACHERS RESULTING FROM HIV STIGMA
• Connected teachers who benefit from cherry picking by donors/partners
• Attend similar numerous workshops but do not share or give support new members.
• Those who have gone public, lack support are lonely and teach in areas where stigma is very high
some have died as a result of stigma.
Categories of teachers contd.
• Teachers who have been supported but are quiet because of not wanting to be seen to be controversial, they are enjoying comfort zones and have kept to themselves. (KENEPOTE respects this)
• Those who are in denial, but know their status• Are in other support groups however, would wish to take a
back seat for personal reasons. (family, church, colleagues…)
• Maybe KENEPOTE does not have much to offer
Categories of teachers contd.
• Those who are oblivious of their status, do not want to know ,are not interested in HIV may pretend to be have practiced stigmatization, ignore any conversation bordering / regarding HIV and AIDS.
• Those who are not HIV positive and remain very supportive to those who are HIV positive.
PARTNER EXPECTATIONS
• HIV programs which are pegged on deadlines, availability of office, staff or a drop in centre and report writing, while they are not willing to support this directly. This may not be very practical for teachers in view of the mean score in exams.
• Some partners are only willing to support a section of the members in accordance with their mandates which perpetuates stigma while in fact all members are HIV positive.
What are the results
• (FMS) Founder Member syndrome ,which in my view is worse the HIV stigmatization.
• Stagnation of the organization
• Champions who with or without support are moving on may have been stigmatized in the larger group of fellow HIV positive teachers, changed their strategies.
Personal Experience
Leadership is ultimately about everything I do
A CUT ABOVE NOT BELOW
In overcoming HIV stigma at the workplace
TANGIBLE SUPPORT FROM PARTNERS.
• Health Policy Initiative (HPI) -Support to support groups in North Rift and Nyanza and reviewing of KENEPOTES constitution.
• Launch of stories of Courage and Hope during World Aids Day 2007.
• Filming of Courage and Hope of 4 Teachers from Nairobi, Kisumu and Eldoret-Kenya through Partnership for Child
Development, Baney Media and the World bank.• Support from TSC management and the ministry of Education
OUR CHALLENGE
• The Significant number of those who know their status who are yet to join not a support group
• Meaningful involvement of HIV positive teachers .
• Stigma and Discrimination.
HOW CAN WE SUSTAIN KENEPOTE’S ORIGINAL VISION
KENEPOTE’S leadership in stigma reduction in NINE PROVINCES at the workplace
by maximizing and utilizing available peer support which must be authentically driven by what we
BELIEVE in and CARE for most .
Way forward for KENEPOTE
EMPOWERMENTOF FOCAL POINT FOR KENEPOTE
MEANIGFULINVOLVEMENT
OF PEERS LIVING WITH HIV
NATIONAL DELGATES
CONFERENCESOF HIV POSITIVETEACHERS FOR
DEMOCRACY ANDACCOUNTABILITY
WAY FOWARD
• Peer support can reduces HIV Stigma .
• Each organization must act now by genuinely supporting Networks of PLWHA allocating specific budgets for HIV in the workplace for a sustainable peer support
CONTACT
JEMIMAH NINDO, TREASURER - KENEPOTE, TEACHERS SERVICE COMMISSION AIDS CONTROL UNIT, BAZAAR BUILDING-3RD FLOOR, BIASHARA STREET JUNCTION, Nairobi-Kenya. Email: [email protected]