HIV and AIDS - Changing
children's lives
Project learning
Memory work is a tool for individual, family and community transformation.
The process leads to a range of impacts such as strengthening the ability of poor and vulnerable individuals and communities to reduce the spread of HIV, cope with its impact and access a wide range of human rights. The basis of this transformation and core to all memory work, is improved communication.
"Joseph
is a quiet but confident boy. He lives with his big brother, whom he has
drawn in a karate position. He said that this shows how strong his brother
is and how his brother can protect him. His emotional support comes from
his older sister. His mother is sick and lives in the village. His communication
with her, when they do meet, is more formal – about his studies and
his life. There was no mention of Joseph's father – and he did not
volunteer any information. The interviewer was sensitive not to probe on
this, although it was presumed that the father is either dead or fully separated
from the family. Discussion with Joseph illustrated the importance of siblings
remaining together, for economic and emotional support."
"Mark
was an articulate and well-adjusted boy. Compared to some of the other children,
Mark seemed genuinely calm about his situation. Mark's drawing shows the
support he gets from the wider family. Most significant is his relationship
with his mother. In contrast to other children, Mark and his mother were
open about her HIV status. He knew that she was sick and, as his drawing
shows, he is able to talk with her and bring her comfort. "I talk about
the beautiful day. I talk to mummy about how she is feeling." He drew
comfort from his close relationship with his mother. Mark is also able to
talk with his brothers about his problems - in this case, cruel teachers.
He also is able to help others, talking with his nephews about their lives.
Mark's communication map illustrates how he is able both to share his worries
and to support others. Again, Mark’s example demonstrates some important
areas of resilience: open communication with his mother, an ability to express
his emotions openly and an opportunity to gain self-esteem by helping others."