1. CAPACITY BUILDING: HIV POSITIVE TEACHERS IN KENYA
AIDS2006 Toronto, August 13-18th 2006
Margaret Wambete
Kenya Network of positive teachers – KENEPOTE

2. The Challenge: Teachers
Key to prepare next generation to fulfill Kenyans’ aspirations
Unknown HIV status
continue to infect others and
Fail to educate children about HIV
HIV positive teachers are among teachers
Stigmatized, disrespected, humiliated, transferred,
fired,
abandoned and discouraged

3. The Response: KENEPOTE
Unites HIV + teachers in Kenya to fight HIV, its impact, stigma & discrimination
Promotes access to
care and treatment
Provides alternative to despair by offering opportunities to make a difference
Inspires, offers comfort, hope to those without a voice

4. KENEPOTE: Mayor Milestones
Birth in 2004, registered as a local NGO
First national consultative forum of HIV+ teachers
Membership increased from 30 to over 3000 active volunteers by mid 2006
Active network of facilitators/speakers to educate teachers, parents, children and community
Produced case book for advocacy, mobilization and training in stigma reduction
Teachers reinstated, elected as union officials, transferred less, in media, and some public and supported in schools and teachers union

5. KENEPOTE: Allies Teacher Service Commission
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT)
Ministry of Education & Technology (MOEST)
UNESCO
USAID POLICY/Health Policy Initiative
USAID Leadership, Management & Sustainability Project (MSH)

6. KENEPOTE: Where are we now
A thriving and growing network of volunteers
16 districts support groups; 9 provincial representatives
Expanded mission to support OVCs
Joint task team with teachers’ union and employer (TSC) to address human rights violations
Active education and advocacy campaign (TV and radio interviews
Sensitized teachers and community members
Knowledge and attitudes of teachers and employer has shifted
Other countries are starting to copy KENEPOTE model

7. Next steps Increase support for teachers and children
Expand pool of volunteers
Strengthen local chapters

8. Next Steps (cont’d) Expand basis of support for KENEPOTE
Network with sister countries to help set up local KENEPOTE chapters
Show impact KENEPOTE has made in lives of teachers and their children

9. KENEPOTE Clap: Thank You