Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in Harare
The National AIDS Council (NAC)’s periodic media tours are changing lives in underprivileged communities by exposing their stories to potential educational sponsors.
One such beneficiary is Ms Cecilia Mhande of Chikanga, Karoi, who secured a fully-funded university sponsorship following one of these impactful tours.
Ms Mhande, who attained 11 points in her A-Level studies, had failed to proceed to university due to financial constraints.
Last year, journalists from various media houses toured Mashonaland West as part of a NAC-organised programme to showcase the Council’s HIV intervention efforts in partnership with other stakeholders.
The tour cast the spotlight on several initiatives, including the Sister to Sister programme, introduced by NAC in 2006, which targets girls and young women aged between 10 and 24.
The programme aims to reduce HIV prevalence by equipping beneficiaries with knowledge of their sexual and reproductive health rights.
It was during this tour that journalists met Ms Mhande, who was participating in a soap and detergent-making initiative alongside other teenage girls under the Sister to Sister programme.
“Last year we had a visit from NAC who came with journalists in Karoi. I shared my life experiences and indicated that I have 11 points at A Level,” she said.
“Due to my poor family background I could not proceed to university.
“However, after a few weeks after I spoke to journalists I got a call that I have been awarded a fully paid university sponsorship from someone who read about me.
“I am very grateful for what NAC is doing in communities such as Karoi. Most of my age mates fall victim of early pregnancies because of idleness.”
Ms Mhande who is among many beneficiaries of NAC initiatives said she would be studying Tourism and Hospitality at a local university.
