Rising Above: Veronica’s Journey of Resilience and Empowerment.
Wednesday, 22 November, 2023
Veronica Kalani, a 23-year-old Adolescent Girl and Young Woman (AGYW) from Barabarani Street, Mpamantwa Ward, Bahi DC, has become a beacon of hope in HIV prevention. Despite facing numerous challenges, Veronica has risen above them and is now leading her community towards a brighter future.
Veronica’s journey has been far from easy. Coming from a single-parent family of seven children, she lost her father at the age of 19. Despite this hardship, Veronica managed to complete her primary education in 2013. However, her dreams of further education were shattered when she became pregnant during her second year of secondary school. Forced to drop out, she gave birth to a baby girl.
Fortunately, Veronica’s mother recognized her potential and enrolled her in a vocational training center, where she learned the art of tailoring. Despite her newfound skills, Veronica faced financial constraints and had to stay at home, assisting her mother with domestic chores until she got married a few years later.
It was through street leadership that Veronica’s life took a positive turn. She was identified as a vulnerable out-of-school AGYW and was enrolled in the Global Fund Timiza Malengo Program in 2021. Veronica was selected as a Peer Educator and underwent extensive training in May of the same year. As a young mother herself, she also received specialized training in parenting.
Veronica’s role as a Peer Educator is crucial in HIV prevention. She identifies and enrolls AGYW in the Global Fund Timiza Malengo Program within her community. Through peer-led sessions, she provides comprehensive education on HIV and AIDS, including topics such as the correct and consistent use of condoms, gender-based violence, family planning and parenting. Veronica also encourages AGYW to form support groups to ensure the continuity of these sessions and to provide a platform for sharing experiences.
Under Veronica’s leadership, remarkable achievements have been made. She has reached out to 230 vulnerable AGYW, providing them with comprehensive education on HIV and AIDS, behavioural, biomedical, and structural interventions . Additionally, she has conducted parenting sessions for 140 young mothers, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to raise healthy children. Through her efforts, Veronica has successfully formed seven AGYW groups, empowering them with seed money to start income-generating activities.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Veronica remains determined to pursue her dreams. Though her aspiration of becoming a nurse was put on hold due to her early pregnancy, she believes that age is on her side. “I still believe in my dream. I know that one day, I will make it because I am still young,” she confidently declares.
Amref Health Africa Tanzania, in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania through TACAIDS, Ministry of Health, PO-RALG and TAYOA implements the Timiza Malengo program in 18 councils across multiple regions. The program targets in and out of school AGYW aged 10-24, providing comprehensive interventions to reduce vulnerability to HIV infections. The program has reached 350,450 AGYW with HIV prevention programs, achieving 98% of the target.
On this World AIDS Day, let us celebrate the resilience and determination of individuals like Veronica, who are leading their communities towards a brighter and healthier future. Through their efforts, we can truly say that progress is being made in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Let us continue to support and empower these community leaders, for it is through their dedication and passion that we can truly achieve the goal of an AIDS-free world.
