1. 3RD NATIONAL PEER EDUCATORS
CONFERENCE-19TH JUNE,2008
TOPIC: CATEGORIES OF
TEACHERS RESULTING FROM
HIV STIGMATIZATION
THEME:STIGMA - LET’S ACT NOW
KICC NAIROBI- KENYA

2. ABSTRACT
Stigmatization faced by HIV positive teachers in Kenya is a
reflection of stigma in the society. Both PEER and
PSYCHO-SOCIAL by support groups of KENEPOTE is
very crucial for the infected teacher. While systems that
work either directly or indirectly expect normal
performance from the HIV positive teacher, many HIV
positive teachers still need internal and external support
level to challenge the various stigmas that cross their path.

3. PEER EFFECT ON THE TEACHERS IN
STIGMA REDUCTION
• Teachers in schools who are HIV positive and belong to KENEPOTE
tend to have improved quality of life, and are more productive.
• The affected teacher who in many instances carries the burden of the
infected and needs to understand the effects of stigma
• Learners in learning institutions tend to identify with teachers who
are open about their status and seek support from them
• Parents also consult HIV positive teachers on matters of health.
• Affected teachers and the community also seek the counsel of HIV
positive teachers
Therefore, this paper will focus on:

4. CATEGORIES OF
TEACHERS
RESULTING FROM
HIV AND AIDS
STIGMA

5. and suggest some strategies

6. PRESENTENTED BY
National Treasurer-KENEPOTE

7. Background of KENEPOTE
(KENEPOTE) is an acronym for Kenya Network of
HIV positive teachers with 51 psycho-social support
groups spread in the country. It has been in
existence since 2004 and has a membership of
about 4000. From sick leave, absenteeism and ex-
gratia among others, it is estimated that 11,000 out
the 240,000 teachers in Kenya could be HIV
positive.

8. VISION
The vision of KENEPOTE is to
reduce stigma and
discrimination so that the HIV
positive teacher and their
OVCS can access to care
and support for an improved
quality of life .

9. Governance and structure
NATIONAL BOARD
CHAIR,SECRETARY
TREASURER
PROVINCIAL
COORDINATORS DISTRICT
COORDINATORS
STAKEHOLDERS
KENEPOTE
SUPPORT GROUPS

10. KENEPOTE’S STRATEGY
• ADVOCACY-media, meetings &
conferences
• PEER EDUCATION AND
CAPACITY BULDING
• GROUP THERAPY / PSYCHO-
SOCIAL SUPPORT
• NETWORKING WITH PLWHS
• COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION
• NEGOTIATING WITH POLICY
MAKERS,DONORS

11. PARTNERSHIP
NATIONAL
AIDS
CONTROL
COUNCIL
WOFAK
ACTION
AID
PLAN
INTERNATIONAL
KISUMU
PEPFAR
HEALTH
POLICY
INITIATIVE
CEDPA
THE
MEDIA
LOCAL
COMMUNITIES
DEVELOPMENT
PARTNERS
KNUT
THE WORLD
BANK
TEACHERS
SERVICE
COMMISSION
KENEPOTE

12. CATEGORIES OF TEACHERS
RESULTING FROM HIV STIGMA
• Connected teachers who benefit from cherry
picking by donors/partners
• Attend similar numerous workshops but do not
share or give support new members.
• Those who have gone public, lack support are
lonely and teach in areas where stigma is very high
some have died as a result of stigma.

13. Categories of teachers contd.
• Teachers who have been supported but are quiet because
of not wanting to be seen to be controversial, they are
enjoying comfort zones and have kept to themselves.
(KENEPOTE respects this)
• Those who are in denial, but know their status
• Are in other support groups however, would wish to take a
back seat for personal reasons. (family, church,
colleagues…)
• Maybe KENEPOTE does not have much to offer

14. Categories of teachers contd.
• Those who are oblivious of their status, do
not want to know ,are not interested in HIV
may pretend to be have practiced
stigmatization, ignore any conversation
bordering / regarding HIV and AIDS.
• Those who are not HIV positive and remain
very supportive to those who are HIV positive.

15. PARTNER EXPECTATIONS
• HIV programs which are pegged on deadlines,
availability of office, staff or a drop in centre and
report writing, while they are not willing to
support this directly. This may not be very
practical for teachers in view of the mean score
in exams.
• Some partners are only willing to support a
section of the members in accordance with their
mandates which perpetuates stigma while in fact
all members are HIV positive.

16. What are the results
• (FMS) Founder Member syndrome ,which in my
view is worse the HIV stigmatization.
• Stagnation of the organization
• Champions who with or without support are moving
on may have been stigmatized in the larger group
of fellow HIV positive teachers, changed their
strategies.

17. Personal Experience
Leadership is ultimately about everything I do
A CUT ABOVE NOT BELOW
In overcoming HIV stigma at
the workplace

18. TANGIBLE SUPPORT FROM PARTNERS.
• Health Policy Initiative (HPI) -Support to support groups in North
Rift and Nyanza and reviewing of KENEPOTES constitution.
• Launch of stories of Courage and Hope during World Aids Day 2007.
• Filming of Courage and Hope of 4 Teachers from Nairobi,
Kisumu and Eldoret-Kenya through Partnership for Child
Development, Baney Media and the World bank.
• Support from TSC management and the ministry of Education

19. OUR CHALLENGE
• The Significant number of those who know
their status who are yet to join not a support
group
• Meaningful involvement of HIV positive
teachers .
• Stigma and Discrimination.

20. HOW CAN WE SUSTAIN KENEPOTE’S
ORIGINAL VISION
KENEPOTE’S leadership in stigma reduction in NINE PROVINCES at the workplace
by maximizing and utilizing
available peer support which must be authentically driven by what we
BELIEVE in and
CARE for most .

21. Way forward for KENEPOTE
EMPOWERMENT
OF FOCAL
POINT FOR
KENEPOTE
MEANIGFUL
INVOLVEMENT
OF PEERS LIVING
WITH HIV
NATIONAL
DELGATES
CONFERENCES
OF HIV POSITIVE
TEACHERS FOR
DEMOCRACY AND
ACCOUNTABILITY

22. WAY FOWARD
• Peer support can reduces HIV
Stigma .
• Each organization must act now by
genuinely supporting Networks of
PLWHA allocating specific budgets
for HIV in the workplace for a
sustainable peer support

23. CONTACT
JEMIMAH NINDO,
TREASURER - KENEPOTE,
TEACHERS SERVICE COMMISSION
AIDS CONTROL UNIT,
BAZAAR BUILDING-3RD FLOOR,
BIASHARA STREET JUNCTION,
Nairobi-Kenya.
Email: Kenepote@gmail.com
nyodipo@yahoo.com