Handprint Poster Creates Ariel Camp Memories
By Espérance Nikuze
Kigali, Rwanda
Dec. 19, 2009

Photos by James Pursey.

Rwanda held its first Ariel Children’s Camp — named in memory of Elizabeth Glaser’s daughter, Ariel, who died of HIV when she was seven — in July 2009, with 28 children and 7 psychosocial support counselors. Our second Ariel Camp recently took place from December 7-11, 2009, bringing together 40 children accompanied by 10 counselors.

Children attend the December 2009 Rwanda Ariel Children's Camp.

Who are these children? These children are living with HIV. They come from different corners of the Eastern Province of Rwanda, and each month they attend psychosocial support groups for children living with HIV, held at the health facilities supported by EGPAF.

A new experience for these children — many of whom are leaving their homes for the first time when they come to camp — is meeting other children and learning that they are not the only ones struggling to lead a positive life with HIV. The camp creates both a memory and a glimmer of hope in the hearts of the children, who are sometimes frightened by the loss of parents and relatives to HIV.

The handprint poster

Any person who has the chance to meet these children during the camp returns with a heart filled with joy after observing their smiles.

The first day of the December camp ended with the children putting their handprints on a large piece of paper together. I enjoyed taking part in this activity because of the children’s excitement at putting the color of their choice on their hands. The result is a nice hand poster that remains as a memorial of beautiful moments from the camp.

Espérance Nikuze joined the Foundation as the Rwanda communication officer in October 2007. Before that, Espérance served at the World Food Program, where she acquired experience in reporting, public information, and advocacy activities. This helped her to develop an effective communication strategy to reach primary and secondary audiences with pediatric HIV messages. Esperance is motivated to work for a foundation that focuses on the essential needs of children.

Espérance (left) helps children add their handprints to the poster.