Maruva Trust is supporting the work of Africaid, Zimbabwe. Africaid is a registered organisation in Zimbabwe and has been running its Zvandiri psychosocial support programme for HIV positive children since 2004. “Zvandiri” is a Shona word meaning “As I am”. This name was chosen by the children on the programme as the message they want to convey  is “ I may be HIV positive but this is me, I must accept it”.

The Zvandiri programme aims to improve the lives of HIV positive children through equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to cope with their HIV status and to puruse their hopes and dreams. The programme complements the clinical care which HIV positive children receive because although children living in Harare are increasingly able to access Antiretroviral drugs and can start to look forward to the future, they need considerable counselling, life skills training and support in order to help them cope with their HIV status and its implications.  

The Zvandiri programme is currently providing monthly support services for 650 HIV positive children and adolescents in Harare including: 20 community support groups, Zvandiri House Support and Training centre, Community Outreach Team, Growing Up Positively training, Child-led adherence support and counselling, a Creative Arts programme and a rapidly growing child-led training and advocacy programme. In addition to support from Maruva Trust, Africaid is funded by Children First, UNICEF and the Government of Zimbabwe's Programme of Support. 

Please see below for information on the latest activities:

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