'Mamohato Network and Camps
The 'Mamohato Network and Camps is a model initiated by Sentebale in January 2008; it is fully funded and managed by us. It provides a child centred programme for HIV positive children focused on helping the children grow and develop and live healthily with HIV. It cultivates a peer group network providing the children with unique and invaluable support.
Child to child communication is key for HIV positive children who can be very isolated by their HIV status. Within the 'Mamohato Camps and Network, young people can openly discuss HIV and AIDS, how it affects them and how they can best cope with it, whilst also learning about the importance of taking their medication.
The sessions span education including hygiene and nutrition, adherence to ARTs (including filling pill boxes); HIV focused games, sports, arts, crafts and drama. The main aim is to increase the child's self esteem, confidence and assertiveness so they can live healthier and happier lives.
To date more than 336 children have been involved in the 'Mamohato Network. In addition to the week long camps, there is continued support and follow up programmes with Teen Clubs, Caregiver Days and Camp Reunions.
The Camps are run by trained staff, plus doctors, nurses and social workers from the clinics where the children are treated. A typical Camp hosts over thirty children for a week. The children play games and sports, practice art and crafts and drama, and learn first aid and life skills. Leadership skills, career guidance and CV writing are also provided at Teen Clubs.
We work in partnership with the Baylor Clinic (where the children are referred from) who provide medical expertise; Hole in the Wall (who provide the programme), with Sentebale providing the operations. We have recently developed a partnership with the Karabong Paediatric Clinic at Mafteng who assist with child recruitment and provide one full time nurse for the duration of the Camp.
“The camp has shown us that we can now be more comfortable with each other. We have realised that we have long lives to live and that we can share what weve learned with other children that we meet.”
One of the 'Mamohato Camp Alumni
Read about the latest Camps in June and July 2010
In the long term Sentebale plans to expand the network and cater for other OVC's also.
Thabo's Story*
A doctor from the Baylor Clinic tells us about the impact Camp Mamohato had on one of her patients lives:
“I first met Thabo over a year ago when he had defaulted on his ARVs because of lack of transport to get to the Clinic. I learned that he was a double orphan who was living with his older brother. He did not attend school and tried to sell a few trinkets and candy to make some money. We transferred his care so that we could help provide him with transport funds, and restarted his ARVs. At one point Thabo was hospitalised from an infection in his genitalia. During treatment, we learned that his older brother had been chastising him for his HIV status and was physically abusing him. He was at rock bottom and gave up taking his medication; he had lost all hope. Despite counselling, visits by our outreach nurse and social worker, and a trial on anti-depressants, nothing got him motivated - until camp. Two weeks ago, I saw the biggest smile on his face I have ever seen. Since Camp we have reinitiated his ARVs and, so far so good, he is feeling well, is taking his medication and is now looking to the future. The experience has truly transformed his attitude about his own care and his outlook on life”.
*The child's name has been changed to protect his identity.
© Sentebale 2011