The power of inclusion
More than 115 participants came together from 19 to 22 of June for a three day Knowledge Fair in Mozambique. Newly trained facilitators, the National Facilitation Team in Mozambique and visitors from Angola, South Africa and Belgium- all came together to share what they had learned to respond to HIV and disability. "Associations shared how much the SALT approach changed the way they visit communities," explained Virgilio Suande, Constellation coach. "They don't teach but ask about people's vision and concerns."
The event lasted three days, with two days of Knowledge Fair and one day of SALT visits in communities. Participants visited communities and homes of People Living with HIV, disabled people and other community members. "In the community that I visited in Boane district, I saw a lot of progress. People now help each other and young people participate, for the first time, in local meetings. They speak up!"
Bernice Roeland, director of the AIDS Response in South Africa, said "The interaction between able-bodied participants and those with a range of disabilities was truly astounding. That many of those present were HIV+ did not matter or in any visible way changed the way they perceive themselves or each other. I have truly never witnessed or participated in such a joyful and caring event. The interaction amongst the group, according to many of those I spoke to, came about as a result of applying the ACP methodology in their own lives. The sense of purpose and directed activism brought a new sense of hope and joy, of increased self-esteem and technical skill to participants. What we saw were not necessarily the norm in Mozambique or elsewhere. It came about as a partnership between the various network bodies, the support of the Constellation (amongst others) and the agency of the activists in the process."
Associations in Mozambique are committed to continue to use the AIDS Competence Process, regardless of funding. They expressed their intention to nationalize the process in the whole country. Handicap International, who is the first supporter of the process in Mozambique, is exploring funding with partners. Participants see SALT visits as an important gift to the community, better than giving material support.
After the Knowledge Fair, Handicap International and the Constellation had the opportunity to present the AIDS Competence Process in the UNAIDS partners meeting. Constellation coaches invited Garrido Jose Cuambe, a member of Ajodemo, an association of disabled people, to share his experience with the approach.
Virgilio explained: "I learned about the power of inclusion. What Garrido shared was so good, partners were impressed and there was nothing else to add. This is something we have to do more often, to bring the voice of communities in high level meetings."
Jean-Louis Lamboray, chair of the Constellation, concluded: “In Mozambique communities are adopting AIDS competence to enhance their local responses. With the number of facilitators growing from the current 700, the vision of zero infections, of zero AIDS deaths and of zero discrimination will become reality. What do we need to do? Stay the course and believe it can be done”.