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A Story of Hope: Sarah's Journey

The Beginning of a Long Road
Sarah* was only fourteen when she found herself alone on the streets of Fort Portal. Her parents had passed away, and with no close relatives willing to take her in, she had nowhere to go. Each day was a fight for survival—finding food, a place to sleep, and safety from the dangers that lurked in every shadow. To survive, she began engaging in transactional sex, a decision no child should ever have to make.

Within months, Sarah learned she was HIV-positive. The news shattered what little hope she had left. She was scared, confused, and deeply ashamed. She had no one to turn to, no understanding of what her diagnosis meant, and no idea how to access the care she desperately needed. She felt utterly alone.

The Moment Everything Changed
One evening, a young woman approached Sarah on the street. She was a peer educator with the ACE-FORT PROJECT, a program run by the Kaana Foundation for Outreach Programs (KAFOP). With warmth and without judgment, she invited Sarah to visit a "Safe Spot"—a welcoming day center where young people like her could find safety, food, and support.

It was the first time anyone had ever looked at Sarah with kindness instead of pity or scorn.

At the Safe Spot, Sarah met a social worker named Grace. Grace listened to Sarah's story without interruption, offering only compassion. For the first time, Sarah felt seen and heard. Grace explained that living with HIV was not a death sentence—with the right treatment and support, Sarah could live a long, healthy life.

A Pathway to Health and Hope
The KAFOP team immediately connected Sarah to a nearby health facility where she was initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART). But medical care alone was not enough. Sarah needed the emotional and practical support to stay on her treatment.

• Psychosocial Counselling: Sarah attended weekly counselling sessions where she learned to manage her fears, build self-esteem, and envision a future for herself.
• Peer Support Groups: She joined a support group of other young people living with HIV. Here, she found friends who truly understood her struggles, offering strength and solidarity.
• Adherence Support: Her peer mentor visited her regularly to help her stay consistent with her medication, answer her questions, and celebrate her progress.

Slowly, Sarah began to heal. Her viral load dropped to undetectable levels, meaning she could lead a healthy life and would not transmit HIV to others. She no longer felt defined by her diagnosis.

Building a Future
But KAFOP didn't stop there. The team knew that for Sarah to truly thrive, she needed more than medical care—she needed a future.

• Life Skills Training: Sarah participated in workshops on financial literacy, sexual and reproductive health, and self-advocacy.
• Education Support: She was enrolled in a catch-up education program to return to school and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.
• Economic Empowerment: With support from KAFOP, Sarah joined a Youth Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), learning to save money and plan for her future.

Today, Sarah is eighteen years old. She is healthy, back in school, and full of dreams. She volunteers as a peer educator herself, sharing her story and guiding other young people off the streets and toward a brighter future.

The Journey Continues... With Your Help
Sarah's story is one of resilience, courage, and the power of community. But for every Sarah we reach, there are hundreds more young people still waiting for a hand up.

Your generous donation to KAFOP will:

• Provide safe spaces where vulnerable youth can find protection and care.
• Deliver life-saving HIV testing and treatment to those who would otherwise go without.
• Train peer educators and social workers who offer guidance and hope.
• Create pathways to education and livelihoods that transform futures.

Your Support Changes Lives
When you donate to KAFOP, you are not just giving money—you are giving a child a chance. A chance to heal, to learn, to dream, and to build a life free from fear and poverty.

Join us in building tomorrow.