I Am No Longer Vulnerable

“I am Samuela Masambukidi, an orphan due to HIV/AIDS. After the death of my father, my mother had no financial resources to enable me to pursue my higher studies. I vainly knocked at many doors to get a job. After completing my daily household tasks, I was just turning around at home for entire days alone doing nothing.

“Then, along with many other orphan and vulnerable children, known as OVCs, I was selected by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) to enroll in vocational training at the Institut National de Préparation Professionnelle [INPP].
“The training was aimed at providing OVCs with knowledge and tools so that they can create businesses to improve their economic conditions—since poverty and idleness strongly increase the risk of HIV contamination and unexpected pregnancies among youths and adolescents.

“I was registered in the computing section, where I learned word processing and other software. EGPAF and CDC/PEPFAR provided all trainees with transportation fees and healthcare support.
“At the end of the training, I received a professional toolkit including a computer, a printer and a set of ink cartridges so that I could start my own small business. Afterwards, I started typing and printing documents at home for my clients.

“As a part of its post-training program, INPP has recommended me at the REGIDESO firm (DRC government’s water provision company), where I now work now as an intern and receive a small allowance. On weekends and days off, I continue to do word processing at home for my clients.

“Because of this salvation, I am no longer vulnerable. I am self-sufficient. I have started to buy my goods by myself. I do not have to beg for money from my mother or anyone else.

“Many thanks to EGPAF for support, CDC/PEPFAR for funding and INPP for acquisition of technical competences.”

Program note: In 2017, EGPAF’s Kimia project received funding from CDC/PEPFAR to implement activities for children who were orphaned or otherwise made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. This program enrolled 7,812 children within five health zones (N’djili, Matete, Limete, Lingwala, Barumbu and Mont-Ngafula 1) in the city of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

A Vulnerability Evaluation tool was used to determine the needs of children. Children with severe vulnerability were offered assistance in regard with the payment of school fees, healthcare fees, vocational training fees, and professional toolkits.