Children, Community, and HIV/AIDS in South Africa

Abstract

This paper introduces the UNESCO By Children for Children book series, begun through the Growing up in Cities program. It describes how the book written by nine-year old Siphelele Ndlovu communicates how he learned to live with the fact that his mother is HIV-positive and places his experience in the context of local community life. While the narration of personal experience can foster personal resiliency, Siphelele told his story to strengthen understanding and reduce prejudice against people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. Committed to filling a gap in HIV/AIDS education in South Africa, he wants to encourage HIVinfected caregivers to disclose their status to children in their care.