MTV Staying Alive Foundation :: Featured > Up Close and Personal

Benja from TACI talks about why HIV is important to him

by Louise Ashley

An interview with Benja

Benja from TACI (Transformative Agents of Change Initiatives) tells us about the work carried out by himself and his colleagues in the Nyanza district of Kenya.

What does your organisation aim to achieve and what activities does it carry out?

TACI aims to achieve positive behaviour change among the youth through teaching in schools and public sensitising about HIV/AIDS. We use ABC messages – abstinence, being faithful, and condom use.

How long have you been a member of TACI and what inspired you to join?

I’ve been a member for 5 years because I wish for and would love to see a healthy society.

Why is HIV an important issue to you as an individual?

AIDS has affected me personally. Four of my sisters have died as a result of AIDS and I help look after their eleven children, who are orphans.

What problems do you face in your work?

We face challenges in our work – some infected people ask us for material support which we don’t have. For example, school uniforms and books for their children. Many people fear testing.

Religious and cultural beliefs also hinder our work sometimes. The Church is strong here and tries to stop people using condoms. Culturally, unprotected sex through wife inheritance pushes up the rate of HIV.

How many people have you reached with your work?

We have reached over 3000 youths this year with our programme.

How has The Staying Alive Foundation affected the work TACI carries out?

SAF has financially aided us and built our capacity through providing training too. SAF has enabled me to interact with various organisations from different countries and through supporting us we have together reduced infant mortality in the region.

What do you believe is your best achievement within TACI?

My best achievement I believe is reaching so many people with voluntary counselling and testing which will have saved a number of lives. Knowing one’s status is the first step to staying alive and helping others stay alive.