HIV/AIDS counsellor, support staff and/or educator

AIDS is responsible for over 3 million deaths in Africa. Despite major investments in AIDS prevention, the rate of HIV infection in many African countries is still rising. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has exacerbated poverty and malnutrition. Families hit by AIDS see their food production cut in half. UNAIDS and WHO estimate that 7 out of 10 people newly infected with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa. Of all AIDS-related deaths since the epidemic started, 83% have come from Africa.

The impact of AIDS is deepening and getting worse as the economy continues to struggle; the need for action now to prevent its further spread is urgent. HIV/AIDS projects in Ghana aim at the effective control and management of HIV/AIDS, and provide support for those affected by the disease

As a volunteer you can help care for people with HIV/AIDS. Casualties from HIV/AIDS related deaths are reversing the quality of life in many communities. HIV/AIDS is continuing to spread and is increasing poverty. The level of intervention is at its lowest and prejudice is at its highest. Volunteers work at special clinics for AIDS patients providing care and support and directly with local community based organization providing support, couselling and programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. There is a lot to learn and experience working on these projects

Volunteer's responsibilities

• You offer care and support for HIV/AIDS infected children and people,
• Engage in educational and training activities meant to increase awareness and stop the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
• Assist in vocational training for the HIV infected persons who have either lost their jobs or unemployed
• Home and school visitation for the children who are rendered Orphans or vulnerable due the the direct and indrect effect of the HIV/AIDS on them
• Other activities set out by the community based organization shall be among your responsibilities

Organizations who work on the HIV/AIDS problem have established different community outreach programs such as hospital care, recreational and educational programs, voluntary counseling and testing, and educational seminars and conferences on the virus within the local community. Volunteers help is very needy in all of these activities.

Program Objectives

• To offer education, sensitization, care and support for affected people
• To offer a peer education, educational campaign and awareness for the youth on the preventive measures and dangers of the disease.
• To expand the volunteer's knowledge on the dangers and socio-economic problems associated with HIV/AIDS so there can be an increasing global action and awareness
• To promote greater community residents participatory role and the sense of responsibility for development projects to boost maintenance and sustainability of such projects
• To promote friendliness between volunteers' community and that of the beneficiary communities.
• To offer volunteers deeper understanding and experience of other cultures and economies

Program Duration and Dates Program is opened to volunteers all year round. Volunteers can spend from two weeks to six months on the program. A night in the capital upon arrival (sometimes due to problems like your luggage being left behind by the airline, staying in Accra and Nairobi may be go beyond a day), orientation by Elghana to offer volunteers education on the culture, traditions and sensitivities of the people in the community of work, basic local language syllabus and how to go about things in the community in terms of food, water, socialization, etc. The pre-departure information will be enough an orientation for participants who intend to spend a month or less on a placement

Who can volunteer? Anybody can volunteer in this program as long as you are 15 years or more. It is regardless of your profession, skill or experience. You can volunteer as a team or an individual. Your service is highly needed. However you should understand that you will not do anything that may stigmatize any of the people you meet in the course of your work. You need to have an open mind and a willing heart.

How can a volunteer instantly identify his/her contributions after participation?

• Life will be better for beneficiaries, especially the AIDS sufferers as you attend to them with love and care even not offered by family and friends, by this you will see yourself become a friend to someone few people understand and smile with.
• Family and friends shall gain a better understanding of the disease or problem and what is required of them for the affected person
• There will be such a great joy to be felt by the affected persons during your participation and your work, love and commitment would have developed such a passion that your departure would bring tears in the eyes of those you are leaving behind. See such a great love you have brought to someone in need.
• There will be a greater awareness of the disease or problems in the work community, especially among the students and youth to be approached with educational programs

How will you benefit from volunteering in this program?

• You will discover more about yourself which will definitely help you in making many vital decisions
• You will experience a true and pure culture of a different kind in this same world
• You will enhance on your knowledge on life, society, care the HIV/AIDS disease and its effect on people.
• You will be proud of yourself for doing something very positive in your own means to better the life of someone.
• It shall be such a great adventure and break
• It will definitely be something new for you which you shall keep and treasure with passion
• An opportunity to acquire knowledge for educating your peers back home about the disease.