VCT Testing Days- May 2012

LRPI Zambia leaders Terry (back row, far left) & Martins (back row, 2nd from right) with Kantanshi High teachers and the clinic 1 staff during the VCT School visit

In May 2012, over 200 students and teachers from Butondo and Kantanshi High Schools put faith into practice and participated in a VCT (Voluntary Counseling and Testing) Program. The STS clubs partnered with the Zambia Ministry of Health, which provided HIV testing kits and 2 trained counselors from a local clinic to not only test the students, but to provide pre- and post- test counseling. Care was taken to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the brave students who volunteered to be tested despite the threat of stigma. To begin, the students were separated by gender, then divided into groups of 10 for a counseling program. Each person who wished to be tested then entered the testing room separately to receive individual counseling before and after their test. 

Historically, a thick cloud of stigma has surrounded VCT, especially among high school students. By God’s grace, through the hard work and dedication of the LRPI-Zambia and LRPI-US staff, and of course the STS clubs in the respective high schools, it appears that that cloud may be lifting from Mufulira. Many encouraging responses were noted on the monitoring forms passed out on the testing days, including a majority of students who reported

·    A more positive attitude toward testing

·    Using abstinence (only) to avoid HIV infection

·    Having been tested before

·    Requesting a personal follow up counseling

On top of that, other local schools saw the wonderful testimony of these brave students and are requesting a VCT program for their school as well. Pastors Terry and Martinz, as well as the many other members who work tirelessly in the STS Clubs, have turned these two high schools into cities on a hill, shining the light of truth that cuts through the darkness of stigma.

The Head Boy- an STS Club Member- sets an example of attentive listening during the pre- testing counseling

Female students waiting to be tested.

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