Team PATA

A Zimbabwean story - Zvandiri

The book Our Story was written by members of the Zvandiri Support Group from Harare, Zimbabwe. This HIV/AIDS support group consists of children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years. As everyone in the support group is HIV positive, they chose the Shona name of "Zvandiri" for themselves, which means "as I am". They cannot change who they are, but must live with HIV and accept it, as should others.

By sharing their experiences they aim to help other children and teenagers to understand more about the disease and what it means in their lives. More importantly, the book tries to tell other HIV positive children that they are not alone in their sadness and fear, and that there is still hope for their future.

The logo for the Zvandiri Support Group shows a rock with an open door and the sun rising behind it. The rock represents the children's hearts, hardened by years of untold suffering. But the door opening it is the support group, which has helped them to share their experiences and learn together; and has given them hope for the future. Our Story consists of quotes from the children and adolescents who were fearlessly honest and open in discussing their experiences. Here are some extracts from the chapters on how they felt before and after they were diagnosed with HIV:
"In the beginning, I wasn't happy because no one was telling me what was happening, why I was sick. I couldn't play with my friends."
"When I was told I was positive I thought my life had ended. It took me quite some time to accept but I am glad I am still alive."

"I was scared of my status. I was frightened and felt so alone, like I am going to die."

The disease of HIV is explained, using the metaphor of "Warrior CD4 Cells" that protect the body. Our Story is illustrated with beautiful watercolour paintings which help to explain these ideas.

But the main message of this book is to give hope to other children living with the disease: "...I know you will live a long time, because it's the same as other illnesses, like high blood pressure, asthma or diabetes. So there is no need to fear." "Some give up and say they will die. They are wrong. You can get treatment and live longer."

To get more information on this book and the Zvandiri Support Group, please contact info@teampata.org.