The Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation is an organization seeking to lessen the impact of the HIV epidemic on individuals, families, and communities throughout South Africa. The Foundation focuses its efforts on HIV treatment, prevention, training, and research in the areas that need it most around Cape Town. Based at the Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine at the University of Cape Town, the DTHF runs clinics in Masiphumelele and Nyanga, with plans to continue extending its reach.
TESTIMONIALS
Stephen Mozug
Fall 2008
With the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation I work with the HIV/TB clinic located in Masiphumelele, a small township outside of Cape Town. The township consists of Xhosa and Zulu's as well as many residents from outside South Africa. My work consists of community mapping in learning about the different NGO's that work in Masiphumelele, residents views of the area, as well as researching information of the schools located there. My research there is primarily due to finding out the views the youth have concerning HIV as well as what their interests lie in recreational activities. The Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation is building a youth center in Masiphumelele and is attempting to build a connection with the youth in Masiphumelele. The Foundation hopes the youth will have a positive and open relationship with the clinic in that they are comfortable advocating HIV treatment and prevention to their friends and other members of the community. The youth that currently assist with awareness in the community are titled the Future Fighters and currently they are researching the 1808 Slave Revolt due to the two hundred year anniversary of the event. Different events that are being planned with the youth include a camp outside of Cape Town in November as well as a celebration of World AIDS day on December 1st. My work consists of research as well conducting interviews in the community as well as help set up events for the youth in Masiphumelele. Most of my day has spent setting up and interviewing heads of the different NGO's in the community as well as positive and active role models in the community that are comfortable in talking of HIV with their former residents. The Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation is located in other townships outside of Cape Town and provides a rewarding experience in terms of educating on HV/AIDS education as well as providing interaction with committed and active youth of South Africa.
Email Stephen for more information!
Liz Bailey
Spring 2008
Masiphumelele is a small township outside of Cape Town, where the DTHF runs a community-based HIV clinic. The Foundation is currently sponsoring the building of a Youth Centre there. Because adolescents are the targeted population of the HIV epidemic, there is an urgent need to reach the youth, teaching them life lessons and helping them to improve their future. My role has been to start programs with the adolescents in preparation for the Youth Centre. Along with members of the clinic, we’ve begun programs with a select group of students. While now focusing on drama and sport activities, there are plans for much more once the Youth Centre is built. Masi is a fun, energetic community and my time here has been wonderful.
Email Liz for more information!
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