Nabacwa Brendah
Connect Africa began changing my life in 2007. When I first met Uncle Charles I was living with my auntie because my mother had died of AIDS and my father was positive. The school I was attending was of poor quality as my auntie couldn't afford a good school. I was HIV positive, though I didn't know it then.

I began attending a new school and had to repeat a grade because my  examination results were poor. But CAF and the head master saw potential in me. I was determined to work hard to not disappoint them.

I was among the first group of CAF students and at the time the only girl. Over the past nine years I have spent many weekends at Lynni’s house and become close friends with other students. When new students and younger children join CAF it is us older students that help look after them and ensure that they learn what is expected.

P7 was a very difficult year in my life. I learned I was HIV positive. I didn't want to study, feeling it was no use. I went to my bed, refusing to eat or study; I was waiting to die. The Head Master, Uncle Charles and Auntie Lynni comforted me and convinced me not to give up, that being HIV positive was not a death sentence, that it could be treated, that they loved and would help me. I got out of bed, though the whole year was difficult. Today I am very healthy and continue to learn how to live being HIV positive. Now that I am older and interested in boys I am learning how to tell people.
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I will finish my nursery school training in September 2016. I love it! It is the exact profession for me. My dream has come true. My sponsor all these years has been a teacher and that has always been an inspiration to me.

Thank you Mark!