In HIV-positive children, stigma and discrimination are rife. This is because they may have been ostracised from their community or school. In many cases, HIV positive children in India will be shunned by their family members who believe that the child has brought shame on the whole clan. A HIV-positive child with a mentor not only learns life skills but also enjoys better mental health and social well being. Mentors can help HIV positive children to overcome these challenges through support with education, counselling and sponsorship for healthcare related needs such as medication.

HIV-positive children with mentors also learn skills such as basic living and hygiene, creating a good working environment in the home. Mentoring is not limited to HIV positive children alone; it can be carried out for orphans and other vulnerable children who lack parental support due to the death or abandonment of one or both parents. A mentor can help HIV positive children with their studies. A mentor can provide guidance, support and practical assistance to HIV positive children in the school environment where they are often stigmatised or discriminated against. Child development is also boosted by having a single supportive figure who would offer emotional encouragement at critical periods of life such as puberty when self-esteem may be low due to HIV status. HIV-positive children with mentors will also be less likely to engage in high-risk behaviours such as substance abuse and unprotected sex which can lead to HIV infection.

Mentoring is not a time-consuming activity; it only requires the commitment of half an hour per week over a school year or longer period of time if done during holidays, weekends and in the evenings. HIV positive children, just like other children in need of a mentor benefit from having someone take an interest in them and offer encouragement to become all that they can be despite their HIV status or family background.

Mentoring HIV-positive children require one to have good listening skills, patience and understanding to help the child overcome any challenges they face during their HIV journey. Mentors need to be available by phone, email and in person when the HIV positive child needs emotional support. Mentoring HIV-positive children can make a significant difference especially if done for long periods of time until they become adults themselves.

Come join hands with NGO Rays and make a difference in HIV positive children’s lives.