On a recent visit to Burundi, UBS Africa Area Media Consultant the Rev Dr Francois Sieberhagen saw at first hand how the Where Is the Good Samaritan Today? HIV/AIDS outreach package is being used in a country where, in 2003, an estimated 25,000 people died as a result of HIV/AIDS, and the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate among adults is around six per cent. Devised by Konstanse Raen, the HIV/AIDS Consultant for UBS in Africa, the package is being widely taken up by national Bible Societies in Africa. At its heart is a booklet consisting of basic information about HIV/AIDS combined with appropriate biblical passages. In addition to the booklet, there are large-format teaching posters, audio cassettes and two videos, called Where Is the Good Samaritan Today? and Qui Est Responsable? L’Histoire de Suzanne (‘Who is responsible? The Story of Suzanne’).

Divine Dushime (18) at a training session on how to use the Good Samaritan HIV/AIDS outreach package. Photo: UBS/Francois Sieberhagen (BUR06DJ-13.JPG)

Olivier Kibindigiri (22) at a training session on how to use the Good Samaritan HIV/AIDS outreach package. Photo: UBS/Francois Sieberhagen (BUR06DJ-34.JPG)

The Good Samaritan program is currently running in eight countries: Uganda, Cameroon, Togo, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo (Democratic Republic), Ethiopia and Namibia. It will be launched shortly in the Sahel region (Mali, Senegal and Guinea Conakry) and in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania and Kenya, bringing the total to 14. Launches in a further 10 countries are being planned. “We need funding for all these enthusiastic countries that want to start up projects!” says Konstanse Raen. Further information can be found at: www.ubs-goodsamaritan.org

Young people turn to Scriptures
to fight HIV/AIDS

BURUNDI — “We are busy training young people to use the Good Samaritan outreach package,” says Marjorie Niyungeko, Executive Secretary of the Bible Society in Burundi. “Around 30 members of the Young Women’s Christian Association and Young Men’s Christian Association have signed up to be trained as facilitators. We are very excited about this because they have given up three days of their holiday to attend.”

Our journey takes us to the La Famille pour vaincre le Sida (‘Families fighting HIV/AIDS’) / Association Burundaise des Amis de l’Enfance (‘Burundi Association of Friends of Childhood’) (F.V.S/AMADE) transit centre in Bujumbura. “We are using this facility because they are doing a lot for HIV/AIDS orphans and they are able to accommodate a large group of people,” Mrs Niyungeko explains.

Express their opinions

It is a huge surprise to see so many young people assembled. We are greeted by the inevitable sheets of paper taped to the walls, and it is clear that a serious workshop is in progress. The young people participate eagerly when asked to do so and are not afraid to express their opinions. They have already worked through the video Who is responsible? and are now preparing to view Where is the Good Samaritan Today?

As I talk to some of the participants afterwards, it becomes clear they have very personal reasons for attending. Joelle Mizero (16) is at school in Uganda, but her parents live in Bujumbura. She is quick to explain why she is here.

Don’t sleep around

“My favourite aunt died last year from an HIV/AIDS-related illness. I could not come to terms with her death and I decided to learn more about this illness because I want to help prevent the infection spreading. We hear about HIV/AIDS at school, but only during this week have I fully understood why my aunt died,” she says.

She then explains what is happening at school. “People don’t sleep around like they used to. Young people are now well informed and they are very cautious because they realise that their future depends on their behaviour. Organisations like the Bible Society do a lot of good. I have learned a lot and will take it with me. I thank God for that.”

Olivier Kibindigiri (22) shares her views. “When my uncle died of an HIV/AIDS-related illness, our family was not too happy. He was in hospital for two weeks before he died. I visited him and it was not a pretty sight. It really touched my heart and that is why I want to know more about this disease. I want to help my friends lead a godly life.”

The Good Samaritan outreach package is clearly succeeding in both helping people to be informed and empowering them to reach out to others within their own social circle.

“We need to train people who can in turn train other people. Through this chain reaction we can make a difference,” says Mrs Niyungeko. “The infection rate is rising because of the war, rape, poverty and ignorance. Now, finally, pastors are starting to talk about HIV/AIDS.” (See the last two stories in this section.)

“If it were not for the outside help we receive, I don’t know where we would be. I am extremely grateful for that,” she concludes.

This report refers to projects 73103 and 73112. (WR 403/1 - 07.06) [5 photos]