FROM REJECTIONTO LEADERSHIP: NYASHA’S STORY

Nyasha, a 22-year-old youth, thought she had found a supportive community in her church. But when she disclosed her HIV status, she was met with stigma, judgment, and rejection. Her church community shunned her, leaving her feeling isolated and alone. The church by that time, believed that HIV signifies one as unclean, and is a result of a sin yet Nyasha was born with it.

But Nyasha’s story took a dramatic turn after her pastor participated in the Churches & Communities Initiative’s training program implemented by Action for Youth Foundation Trust. The pastor sensitized on HIV awareness, acceptance, and support, and realized the harm that stigma and discrimination cause to the mental well-being of an individual.

With a newfound understanding, the pastor apologized to Nyasha and also educated the whole church on acceptance of people living with HIV, as well as creation of a safe and conducive environment free of judgement for people to freely air out their emotions and views, which resulted in more than 5 young people within that church coming out of their silos to disclose their HIV status “being HIV positive” for the whole church to know.

For Nyasha that was just the beginning, as she was empowered and capacitated to take on a leadership role, and live unapologetically free despite her HIV status and now she stands as a Youth Leader in her church and a Action for Youth Foundation Trust community mentor for Young People living with HIV, Orphans & Vulnerable Children and Youths in Key Population communities in Marondera.
“I never thought I’d be accepted again, let alone have a voice that can help change someone’s life,” Nyasha says. “The program changed everything for me. Now, I’m proud to support the initiative and l am actively engaged in the fight to demystify the misconceptions for people living with HIV within various religious dominations and communities at large.”
Nyasha’s story showcases the transformative power of acceptance, education, and support. By changing attitudes and behaviours, we can create inclusive communities where youths living with HIV can thrive.

Impact:
– Nyasha regained her sense of belonging and purpose
– She is now leading a church as a Youth Chairperson.
– Her church community now welcomes and supports youths living with HIV

Quote: “I’m proud to be living proof that acceptance and support can change lives.” – Nyasha, age 22