If we make one simple act of acceptance then we can inspire others to take their own actions.

Lakshmamma, a widow with two children was shunned by all the people in her village because of her HIV status, and her husband’s death. The villagers not only isolated her, but also actively discouraged anyone from supporting her or even talking to her. When one of Samraksha team visited her house, Lakshmamma’s neighbor stopped her and asked her what she was doing there. This opened up an opportunity to discuss with the neighbor about Lakshmamma’s condition. The very next day there was a cradle ceremony in the neighbor’s house to which they invited Lakshmamma and her children. This encouraged Lakshmamma to come forward and share her story with the community. She spoke of how overjoyed she was to receive the invitation to a function in the neighboring house. Lakshmamma’s story inspired the community enormously, and they welcomed her back into the community.

Shared by Divya Sarma - more inspiring stories can be found here.

One lady was infected with HIV/ AIDS since 1999 by her husband. She is living in Svay Rieng province in Cambodia, close to the Vietnam border. She did not know about her status until 2002 and then she divorced her husband. Our Volunteers tried to persuade her to access health services and provide assistance several times but she was rejected because of stigma and discrimination within her community. Even her children were not allowed to play with neighbours children as example.

Until July 2005 we tried to meet her again and again till she understood about the Red Cross work and she volunteered to join a positive network and Red Cross Volunteer; and she got ARV treatment since April 2005, two months later after she sent her daughter for a blood test, fortunately her child was not positive.

As a Red Cross Volunteer she has been trained lots on how to work closely with community and active speaker in community education and in public awareness. She said not only her positive there are many positive people in the world Cambodia and the world, after she met several PLHIV in the meetings. She increased her skills to do education in term of care and prevention. She became a proud person to talk in her village and among public places. She is happy to speak out in the community with support from local authorities. These factors made her happy and her physical appearance truly changed. She started to join the provincial positive network, in meetings and in national conferences.

Now she has her own motorbike, better living condition and can work within the own community. Currently she accepts her husband back and living with happiness together and she is proud in her life.

The last 2 years, she said: "In the world, it’s not only me; there are millions of positive people."

Shared by Kith Marady

Basappa's story :

Frequently people may discriminate because of fear or inadequate knowledge. But they can also deeply regret their actions. This regret and repentance spurs them to reach out and make a difference in others lives.

One of Basappa’s friends tested positive for HIV. After this became known in the community, Basappa gradually started moving away from his friend. He did not want to be involved with him in any way. Basappshared that one of his very good friends was diagnosed with HIV. Following this, Basappa had gradually started moving away from his friend.When he was admitted in hospital, his friend repeatedly sent word that he wanted to talk to him, but he was hesitant to go. He was scared of catching the illness from his friend, and was also scared that just by being seen in the hospital with him, people would think he himself had HIV. So he never visited till his friend passed away.

Basappa deeply regrets his behavior now. According to him, “I had made a big mistake, who know what my friend wanted to discuss with me when he called me. Now I will not do the same. There are three people living with HIV here, I go talk to them, sit with them. I help them.” Basappa is an active volunteer who supports the different affected people, specially to reach services.
Divya Sarma

Inclusion: montrons l'exemple! Nous refusons de nous assoir à la haute table, et nous mélangeons aux personnes qui nous accueillent.
Jean Louis Lamboray

Songs are powerful tools to inspire change in people.
Bheri M R

The sharing of a personal story inspired change in the son, who is now very supportive to his mother.
Murari Rao

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