Psychosocial Interventions for Children

Friends Forum

The friends’ forum (pictured above) is a peer support group for HIV-positive children and adolescents that have been disclosed to. During these Saturday morning meetings, group discussions are held on stigma, disclosure, sexuality, risky behaviors in young people, experience sharing, positive living and adherence.

Bread of Life Adolescent Camp

ROM organizes occasional camps for children and adolescents living with HIV. 98 HIV-positive children aged 11-18 attended a 5-day camp in 2015 (pictured above) that focused on enhancing coping skills, self-esteem, personal growth and life skills. Activities included one-on-one counseling, role plays, testimonies, games, and arts and craft. Afterward, the children reported that the camp made them feel better about their HIV-positive status:

“I now know how to respond to other children at school, when they tell me that I am HIV-positive. I will not miss school again because of my status,” one camper remarked.

Following the camp, 5 HIV-positive adolescents and youth shared their experiences growing and living with HIV on Radio Maria.