Healthcare at Family Days + Sivivane Camp

In 2009, we initiated our Healthcare Program, which is centered around Young Heroes’ Family Days at clinics all throughout the country. Since then, over 10,000 children have attended. For many, it was the first time they had been seen by a medical practitioner.

At Family Days, children are examined by a nurse or physician’s assistant. Those with medical problems are seen by a doctor on site; Young Heroes pays for all necessary medications and helps to arrange further care when needed.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Help for children with HIV/AIDS

In addition, everyone at Family Days receives HIV/AIDS and abuse education; and is offered HIV testing and counseling, tuberculosis screening and referrals for voluntary male circumcision. Our Healthcare Program is the only one to focus specifically on bringing HIV education, testing and care to children and adolescents nationwide.

Those who test positive for HIV receive free antiretroviral therapy and follow-up home visits. We also pay for monthly transport to a nearby Teen Club support group.

We also invite adolescents living with HIV to attend our annual Sivivane Camp, which we established in conjunction with Newman’s Own SeriousFun Camps, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) and the Baylor Centre of Excellence. The Camp is run in partnership with AHF – Swaziland and the Good Shepherd Hospital.

Now in its tenth year, Sivivane has hosted nearly 1,500 campers. At the camp, children don’t have to fear the stigma they face all too often. They can make friends with others who face the same challenges; get all their questions answered, learn how to live healthily, and – as founder Paul Newman put it – “raise a little hell.”