Camp Care-A-Lot
Jalia Nabukenya, 23, breathed in the refreshing breeze drifting over Lake Bunyoni in southwest Uganda. She was ready to be joined by 29 other young HIV activists to learn how to better support their peers and advocate on their behalf. The 2023 Ariel Camp, “Caring for the Carer” would be five short days of intense learning, reflection—and caring.
“I’m looking forward to catching up with old friends, making new friends,” Jalia exclaimed, as she looked across the smooth lake.
Ariel’s Legacy
Day one started with a wholesome breakfast of omelettes, pan-fried potatoes, and matoke (a banana starch), followed by introductions among the peer educators, who represented nine districts of Uganda and range in age from 16 to 23. The Ariel Camp is named for Ariel Glaser, the daughter of Elizabeth Glaser. Ariel died from AIDS-related causes in 1988 at the age of 7 and was her mother’s inspiration to start a foundation to end AIDS in children.
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) collaborates with the ViiV Pediatric Breakthrough Partnership to improve the quality of care among children and adolescents living with HIV. It also offers psychosocial support through the EGPAF Ariel peer program in southwestern Uganda. As part of the project, an annual Ariel peers camp provides a platform for leadership development and capacity building—along with emotional support for the young leaders.
“Nice to see that you are all vibrant, just like the last time I saw you,” said Dr. Edward Bitarakwate, the director of EGPAF-Uganda. “Remember, when we work as a team, we achieve more. These next few days are an opportunity for deep reflection, but I also encourage you to indulge in some edutainment.”
Mr. Denis Adoa, the program officer of adolescent care and treatment at the Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of young people providing support to other young people: “The Ariel program is deep-rooted in the community, which makes it different from other programs,” he said.
Caring for Carers
For many participants, the retreat provided a chance to enjoy a break from ordinary life.
“I have come for camp to mainly eat chicken and sleep in a nice bed,” said Joash Muhimise, 17. “And also to learn more about reporting standards and the champion advocacy toolkit,” he added.
The toolkit, designed by some of the peer educators, serves as a training manual for the adolescent champions to develop advocacy skills and gain knowledge about HIV treatment gaps and offering of services according to the needs of the different groups of clients instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
On the first day, the Ariel peers became acquainted with the advocacy toolkit and spent time developing elevator pitches so that they could better connect with potential partners in the fight to end AIDS in children.
On other days, psychologists conducted sessions to equip Ariel peers with counseling skills to help them provide effective psychosocial support to other young people.
“The camp … provides me with a sense of calm and helps me reconnect with a part of myself that I may have lost.” Shallot Akanyijuka
Special sessions covered such topics as self-awareness, supportive friendships, personal hygiene, and personal and interpersonal relationships. The campers also participated in a session focused on sexual and reproductive health.
Of course, the time was not only filled with training. Every afternoon, the group broke for games, dancing, and chatting among new friends—with conversations both playful and deep.
“The camp … provides me with a sense of calm and helps me reconnect with a part of myself that I may have lost,” said Shallot Akanyijuka, an Ariel peer serving at the Bushenyi Medical Center. “The motivational sessions have had a profound impact on me. [I am filled] with encouragement and a feeling of being supported, both by the caring mentors and my fellow campers. Witnessing the good health of my Ariel peers brings me immense joy and further strengthens my determination.”
Mukama Emmanuel, an Ariel peer serving at Kasheshero Health Center III, agrees: “The Ariel camp provides an opportunity to meet and bond with new friends, fostering a sense of camaraderie and enabling the free exchange of experiences and emotions.”
Boundless Potential of Young People
Brian Ahimbisibwe, a young EGPAF program officer and ambassador, mused about the importance of these young people finding their purpose: “As someone who was once an Ariel camper and has now transitioned into a practitioner role, the Ariel camp holds immense sentimental value for me. Above all, it serves as a powerful testament to the boundless potential of an empowered young individual.”
“Above all, it serves as a powerful testament to the boundless potential of an empowered young individual.” Brian Ahimbisibwe
The older generation also came away heartened by their time with the young people.
“When I look at the Ariel peers, I see the leaders of tomorrow, the individuals who can make a significant impact and become stakeholders in our pursuit of an AIDS-free generation,” said Happy Paul, EGPAF senior technical advisor. “It is crucial to increase investment in these young people because they are highly responsive, well-informed, and dedicated.”
Five days after her hopeful arrival at the Arial Camp, Jalia, participated in tearful group hugs and smiling selfies with her colleagues, with promises of continuing the conversations and the fun via WhatsApp. She and the other 29 young leaders then scattered to their own communities to spread the care.
Emily Lamunu
Uganda
Adolescent Identification, Care & Treatment
