HIV/AIDS

Positive Speaking

Bharati is on her regular mission. Associated with NTP+ (Network in Thane by People Living with HIV and AIDS) she strives to give voice and courage to HIV infected people. Having experienced difficult times herself, Bharti believes that the most empowering experience is the ability of HIV infected people to stand up in society and lead a life of dignity. NTP+ is focused on creating a platform that will allow them to be heard.

Towards this end, NTP+ has recently initiated an innovative and challenging program- “Positive Speakers Academy” which is an effort to enable people living with HIV/ AIDS, to speak for themselves and create awareness about AIDS. Bharati is one of the sixty people trained, and is one of the ‘Positive Speakers’, evolved through this programme. Started in July 2005, with active support from UNICEF, the programme involves a series of training programmes for people with HIV and AIDS, to build their capacities in areas like public speaking and overall personality development and engage them in prevention work.

Explaining the concept behind the initiative Bharti said, ‘People living with HIV and AIDS are considered a social problem. However, we deeply believe that we are not the ‘problem’, in fact we are part of the ‘solution’. The people living with the virus can become best change agents to clear off misconceptions and tackle stigma and discrimination if they get necessary support and skills.

Post training, the Positive Speakers are able to participate in various forums and interact with people convincingly. With UNICEF’s support, NTP+ has been able to conduct 40 sessions with a varied audience. One of the key objectives of the Positive Speakers’ Academy is to participate in training and educational programs on HIV/AIDS facilitated by UNICEF.

Dr Kasbe, resource person from Nair Hospital in Mumbai says “I have been in many sessions with the speakers from this program. I find that they make a lot of impact. For us to see positive people who are healthy and happy and most of all articulate, is a real eye opener. People have no idea that such a positive life is possible. Positive Speaking which has emerged from this program helps immensely in spreading awareness and clarifying misconceptions among people. “

Ashok from the NTP+ team shares “People come forward, having shed their prejudices ready to appreciate our courage. After sessions I have people wanting to sit with me, sit next to me. It is their way of saying that they have changed inside. I think our sessions allow them to feel clear, relived and understood”.

 This would certainly help minimize widespread stigma and discrimination. Even more importantly positive speakers are becoming role models for those who are shying away to accept their positive status and remain deprived of proper care, support and treatment.