Angels
By Doreen Ondo
Kampala, Uganda
February 28, 2008

Dr. Doreen Ondo and Little Sewanyana (Angel)

It was a cool morning in Uganda’s Masaka District when I met the little boy who I decided to call Angel. Angel caught my eye because of his red shirt with the word ANGELS written across the front, and also because of his dancing style. He would suddenly freeze and pose for while, and then resume dancing. He was clearly having fun and was the center of attention despite being the shortest, and probably the youngest, child in the group.

I was part of the team from the EGPAF Uganda office that was attending the Ariel Children’s Club meeting at the Masaka Regional Hospital. The beautiful children were having so much fun dancing and singing. They were clearly excited and happy to be where they were — one could easily forget that they are sick children who have experienced so much in their short lives, especially stigma and rejection.

The theme for the day was stigma and discrimination. The children demonstrated their daily experiences through short drama presentations and testimonies, which were so moving that they left most eyes in the audience wet with tears.

It was a humbling experience for me and I learned a lot.

I am Dr. Doreen Ondo and I joined the Foundation five months ago. Prior to this, I was working as a doctor with the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program in Uganda’s Mpigi District.

In my old job, handling HIV-positive clients was part of my daily routine. However, attending this Ariel Club meeting helped me to appreciate the different forms and the extent of stigma and discrimination, especially among children. I also appreciated how well the children could express themselves given the opportunity to do so. Angel taught me to see life through the eyes of the children. To appreciate and be grateful for the daily blessings because he was so happy to be alive, to cast away the burdens and enjoy the moment. He was the ANGEL that God sent that day with a special message for me!