Empower International HIV/AIDS Prevention Program
How is Empower International Responding to the HIV/AIDS Pandemic?
Education and prevention is taught by native Kenyan and Congo HIV/AIDS trained Prevention Specialists who further the mission of Empower International as on-site teachers, counselors, and mentors in schools, community organizations, soccer programs and churches in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Thika District and Machinery, Kenya and Congo.
The goal of Empower International is to share knowledge that transforms the attitudes, beliefs and values that surround sexual behavior and HIV/AIDS so that individuals are empowered to make healthy sexual behavioral choices for them and others to stop the spread of this disease. School principals in Kenya have indicated they have seen a substantial decline in negative behavior and violence in their schools since Empower International's prevention program has been implemented. This is one indicator that the children are embracing and applying the principals and knowledge that is being taught to them.
Currently there are over 3,200 students being taught in over 30 schools each week in Kenya and over 2,600 children in schools in Congo. Each specialist impacts over 250 children per week and is helping to change and save lives! This is accomplished through a small team comprised of the Director of African Mission, the Director of HIV Prevention, ten full time staff, three part time staff and volunteers.
Children participating in schools where Empower International staff is welcomed, also have the opportunity to learn about the importance of putting their faith in Jesus Christ. An emphasis is made on how to develop and grow a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ.
Empower International staff who are also trained as counselors and/or pastors additionally provide counseling to children when needed and appropriate. Some of the children they work with have been raped, victims of incest, or participants in sodomy, pornography and sexual addiction. Those children who are HIV+, sexually active or victims of sexual abuse are referred to one of two medical clinics in Thika District who provide free HIV/AIDS testing and medical services through a partnership established with Empower International.