Come join us as we celebrate Valentine’s Day!!!
Jan 29, 2015
CEYOHO is a 2014 Vision 2016 Award Recipient!
Oct 8, 2014
CEYOHO was recently recognized by the government of Botswana for its work towards creating an educated and informed nation. Join us in celebrating our success as a recipient of the 2014 Vision 2016 Awards!
For more information about Vision 2016, click here. Congratulations to all other recipients, as well!
The award and certificate we received this year for the Vision 2016 awards!
BIAS IV Community Dialogue Panel Discussion
Jul 24, 2014
We are asking that community members join us at CEYOHO Centre in Tlokweng to discuss the theme “Re-defining Positive Prevention”.
When: August 9, 2014
Where: CEYOHO Centre, Tlokweng, Plot #2705 Metlhabeng Ward
Time: 8:20 – 13:00
During this meeting we will bring together our members living with HIV and members of the community to discuss a collective, and possibly sustainable, prevention strategy with a focus on prevention with positives.
The National Coordinator for the National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA), Ms Grace Muzila, will officiate at this event.
We hope to see you all there!
For more information, please see our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Centre-for-Youth-of-Hope-CEYOHO/253807777997198
Or our Facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/289616141211465/
CEYOHO International Candlelight Memorial Day
This event took place on the 18th of May, 2014 under the theme “Let’s Keep the Light on HIV”. This theme aims to be positive and forward-looking, while recognizing that this remains a memorial event for many.
Thank you to all who attended!
CEYOHO INTERNATIONAL CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL DAY
May 12, 2014
Dear CEYOHO Members,
You are invited to this years International Candlelight Memorial Day which will take place on the 18th May 2014 at 13:00 hours under the theme ‘Let’s keep the light on HIV’at CEYOHO Centre in Metlhabeng Ward,Plot 2705 Tlokweng.
The theme aims to be positive and forward-looking, whilst also recognizing that this remains a memorial event for many.
We encourage each participant to bring their own candle.
Thank you
National Miss HIV Stigma Free Awards 2012
May 27, 2013
CEYOHO would like to express appreciation to UNAIDS Botswana and BONEPWA for financial support towards hosting of the National Miss HIV Stigma Free Awards Ceremony. We acknowledge organisations in both Governmental and non governmental sector that supported this ground breaking event.
These organisations include the National AIDS Coordinating Agency, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Botswana Council of Non-governmental Organisations, District AIDS Coordinators and Tlokweng Tribal Administration,
We extend our sincere gratitude to women living with HIV awardees for sharing their life testimonies. This will definitely contribute to improving efforts to overcome stigma in Botswana and worldwide.
We express our gratitude to the organising committee for being instrumental in organising this landmark event. Some individuals deserve special mention for their commitment towards successful hosting of this event. Dr. Tendani Gaolathe, Elizabeth Reznikoff, Amelie Parenteau – Comfort, Anne Dehler and Sharon Louise.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to CEYOHO members for their dedication to make this event a success.
Background
Fear of being stigmatized because of HIV can keep people from learning their HIV status, disclosing their status to their partners, protecting others from infection and accessing services and treatment. As a result, the virus continues to spread, because people who do not know they are HIV-positive—or who are afraid to discuss their status—infect their partners. In addition, people with HIV who avoid testing for fear of being stigmatized are forgoing potentially lifesaving treatment, care and support. Its against this backdrop that CEYOHO activities hinge on Stigma and discrimination. The organisation believes that stigma must be addressed so that people can feel safe enough to be tested, share their results, practice prevention and access treatment.
In Botswana, 56% of the population in need have ever taken an HIV test yet, voluntary testing for HIV is the first entry to prevention, care and support. The result is that quite a large number of people get to know their status when symptoms of AIDS manifest by which time the CD4 count is low and viral load too high significantly reducing the impact of ARTs in prolonging their lives.
Why Miss HIV Stigma Free
As we continue to make positive strides against the epidemic, it is important to note and recognize the fact that there are individuals that continue to play critical role in HIV prevention. It is interesting to note that these individuals are largely people living with HIV themselves and quite frankly women have taken this lead as evidenced from statistics obtained from HIV testing sites, community based care and support and PMTCT programs.
It is imperative to note that women are central to these efforts and are key players in HIV prevention, treatment, care and support programs in Botswana.
Gender-based power relationships play a more direct role in the blame women face. It’s interesting to note that even if the man brings infection to the couple; his power allows him to shift blame and stigma to his female partner. The structure of gender-based power means that women are more easily blamed and that their transgressions tend to be regarded more severe than men’s. Despite the fact that in most societies, women living with HIV are perceived as vectors of the disease, they have stood firmly against all odds to aid prevention efforts.
The National Miss HIV Stigma Free Awards has as therefore been designed to recognise and appreciate efforts women living with HIV contribute in the fight against the disease. Despite disproportionally higher HIV prevalence, women remain central to all anti—stigma and prevention efforts in Botswana.
This year CEYOHO hosted the first award ceremony to award about 15 women openly living with HIV for various roles they play in HIV prevention, care and support programs. These women were awarded in various categories ranging from Prevention, Care and Support, Stigma, human rights and community mobilisation.
Among award recipients were individuals who are not necessarily living with HIV but demonstrate through their efforts the passion in supporting and working with HIV positive women and PLWHIV in general. Dr. Analethata Johnson, Dr. Tendani Gaolathe, Ms Theresa Makati, Mr. Rapetse Mathumo, Mr. Moagi Gaborone and Ms Onneilwe Pilane. Under organisational category award recipients were Women’s Fellowship – UCCSA Broadhurst and World University Service of Canada (WUSC)
VIP Guests
The event too place on 30th November 2012 at BTV Auditorium. Dignitaries present at this event Minister of Health Rev. Dr. John Seakgosing, Minister of Presidential affairs and Public Administration Mr. Mokweetsi Masisi, National AIDS Coordinating Agency National Coordinator Mr. Richard Matlhare, USA Embassy Political/Economic Affairs Office Ms Janet Kennedy, UNAIDS Regional Support Team for East and Southern Africa Youth Advisor Mr Paska Kinuthia.
CEYOHO would like to take this opportunity to strongly recommend that this innovative event be held periodically i.e. every 2-year. This award ceremony aims to strengthen the capacity of women living with HIV by recognizing their vital contribution to HIV prevention. Botswana’s effort to stop new infections can significantly be complemented if women living with HIV efforts can be recognised. In most instances these women undertake community voluntary work with low or no remuneration. Awarding them can boost their morale to continue their much needed and valuable community work.
Natioanal Miss HIV Stigma Free Awardees Profile
| Name | Category |
| Dipuo Bogatsu | Anti – stigma |
| In the early 90’s, a young woman from Tlokweng openly disclosed that she was living with HIV. These were dark days when myths and misconceptions about HIV and AIDS were rife and AIDS was a sure death sentence as treatment was but a dream. Dipuo is the first known Motswana woman to openly declare her HIV positive status. Her public disclosure opened a window into the dark and silence, an opening to seeing how people viewed HIV and people living with the disease. She has been involved in local community HIV work and has become a pillar of hope among, not only women living with HIV, but affected communities. She has represented Botswana at many international platforms including most notably, as a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador for Positive Living. | |
| Name | Category |
| Fiona Lekgetho | Anti – stigma |
| Fiona is a member of Francistown Network of Support Groups and a peer educator. As a positive living motivational speaker, she has taken Francistown and particularly Gerald Estates by storm. She believes human rights must be central to all HIV and AIDS interventions. Fiona is a woman who believes in her abilities and who confronts stigma head on in her daily work. | |
| Name | Category |
| Betty Mathibidi | Anti – stigma |
| Betty is one of the founders of Baikamogedi Support Group in Moshupa and a member of the District Multi-Sectoral Committee (DMSAC), representing positive living in Moshupa. She is involved in various stigma reducing activities in her village and believes that despite the fact that stigma remains a stumbling block to many HIV interventions; sooner or later her efforts will bear fruit. She believes that people’s attitude towards sex must change as that can aid anti-stigma efforts and subsequently bring about desired change. Betty is a woman from a humble background who upholds the vision of an HIV free Botswana. | |
| Name | Category |
| Patricia Segametse Mogatwe | Anti – stigma |
| Patricia is a champion, an anti stigma “top goal scorer” hence the name “striker”. She is a passionate advocate for PLWHIV women leadership. She has been engaged in various voluntary community work in the Sheep Farm area where she hails from and also has worked as a peer educator for CEYOHO in Tlokweng. She has taken part in the National Miss HIV Stigma Free pageant three times. Patricia is known to be an insistent and outspoken educator regarding Multiple Concurrent Partnerships (MCP) and Positive Health, Dignity, and Prevention (PHDP). She believes that PLWHIV are cardinal to HIV prevention efforts. | |
| Name | Category |
| Naumi Kebitseng | Anti – stigma |
| Naumi is a shining diamond from Boteti District. She is a serious advocate for greater and meaningful involvement of PLWHIV in their communities. She is involved in positive living health talks, anti-stigma campaigns, education about alcohol abuse and TB awareness. She is among the few who has openly declared her HIV positive status in the Boteti district. She is involved in support group formation and community mobilisation. She is a PLWHIV rights activist and works with the local Men Sector. She is remarkable for actively promoting behavioural change among PLWHIV. | |
| Name | Category |
| Dineo Minky Mosinyi | Prevention |
| Dineo is from Nlapkhwane village where she is an ardent community volunteer and a a true heroine, a woman living openly with HIV. She was crowned National Miss HIV Stigma Free queen in 2010. In 2009 she received a Vision 2016 Award in the category of A Just and Caring Nation. She has made a personal commitment to stop HIV and contribute to the “three Zeros”. She has a passion for working with children infected and affected by HIV. For many she is a pillar of hope. | |
| Name | Category |
| Kushatha Kaikanyane Mozoko | Prevention |
| Kushatha is from a village called Mosojane. She is founder of the Atibataneni Support Group and works tirelessly mentoring young people with skills that can help them stay away from alcohol and drugs. She was crowned 1st princess at the 2010 National Miss HIV Stigma Free pageant. She has dedicated her life to serving the community to ensure that there will be no more new HIV infections documented by 2016. She is a living testimony that with adherence and access to treatment, PLWHIV can still lead healthy and productive lives. Kushatha courageously walks her talk through providing treatment adherence counselling to the community. | |
| Name | Category |
| Kgalalelo Ntsepe | Prevention |
| Kgalalelo is from Lecheng village. She is one of the co-founders of CEYOHO and a fearless campaigner for Zero Stigma. In 2003 she was crowned National Miss HIV Stigma Free queen. She is a positive living icon and an anti – stigma activist. She represented Botswana and CEYOHO at the Bangkok international AIDS Conference. She has provided hope to many HIV affected communities and became a household name for hope through her relentless positive living motivational speeches. | |
| Name | Category |
| Emisang Jackie Setlhogile | Prevention |
| Emisang is an HIV and AIDS champion in Hukuntsi District. She went public with her HIV status in 2005 and has since been a central figure in de-stigmatising HIV. That same year she contested and won the Hukuntsi District Miss HIV Stigma Free Pageant. She is a role model for a compassionate, just and caring nation. Her openness has helped many in her district to come to terms with living with HIV, to seek treatment and lead healthy lives. | |
| Name | Category |
| Tshebetso Thobolo | Community mobilisation |
| Tshebetso is a positive living ambassador from Maun and a shining star in her District. She was crowned National Miss HIV Stigma Free Queen in 2008. As an ardent advocate for behavioural change she is a force to be reckoned. She is proud of her culture and promotes the use of positive cultural beliefs as tools for effective prevention education. Tshebetso tirelessly speaks about living openly with HIV. She advocates that to attain zero stigma, communities must talk openly about HIV and how the disease directly affects them. | |
| Name | Category |
| Gloria Pilane | Community mobilisation |
| Gloria participated in the first National Miss HIV Stigma Free Pageant in 2002. She is one of the senior members of CEYOHO and an early youth anti- stigma activist. She believes that alcohol and substance abuse predisposes individual to risky behaviour including gender based violence. Gloria is a peer educator who dedicates her time tp mobilising and engaging communities to realise the negative consequences of alcohol and drug abuse. She is one of the forces promoting treatment adherence among Bar and shebeen patrons in Gaborone West, Old Naledi and Tlokweng. | |
| Name | Category |
| Tshokodiso Tamati Nthule | Community mobilisation |
| Tshokodiso is a member of CEYOHO who lives in Old Naledi and devotes her time working with economically challenged adolescents in Old Naledi. There she formed and coordinates an adolescent abstinence club. She mentors kids on the benefits of delaying sexual debut and educates them about sex, sexuality and HIV. Despite the huge challenges she encounters working with this target group, she has continued to be a source of inspiration to many adolescents in Old Naledi. She states that her participation in the National Miss HIV Stigma Free pageants has given her much more impetus to fight stigma and ensure that vulnerable adolescents can be empowered to exercise health skills and contribute to the 3 Zeros. | |
| Name | Category |
| Neo Chitombo | Care and support |
| Neo is a vibrant and devoted AIDS activist from Kumakwane. Her vision is to ensure an HIV-free generation and she demonstrates her passion by creating opportunities for kids through a day care centre she runs. Her experience in participating in the National Miss HIV Stigma Free Pageant has catapulted her potential and abilities to greater heights. As a woman openly living with HIV and confronting stigma, avenues and opportunities for international exposure have unfolded. She is not a statistic but a woman living with HIV who works tirelessly in her community to ensure social inclusion of women living with HIV. | |
| Name | Category |
| Francinah Moumakwa-Sinos | Care and support |
| Francinah has been involved in support group formation and mobilisation in Gabane and Kumakwane. She has effectively promoted the value of support groups for people living with HIV continues to advocate for support groups to be a part of the HIV support structure. She believes that support groups can provide an important resource of a wide range of prevention, support and care services. She works closely with the District AIDS Coordinators office in Molepolole and currently is involved is resuscitating lapsed support groups of PLWHIV. She is a motivational speaker and believes that PLWHIV must work together to ensure desired outcomes. | |
| Name | Category |
| Keitsekgabo Khumo Gontho | Care and support |
| Keitsekgabo is the founder of Re Ka Kgona support group in Ghanzi. She is a woman who stood to be counted and has immense experience conducting door-to-door community mobilisation. Her participation at the national and district Miss HIV Stigma Free pageant in 2008 motivated her to become more active in the fight against stigma. She has proven herself to be a leader in community mobilisation and formation of support groups of PLWHIV. | |
Posthumous Award
| Name | Category |
| Cynthia Leshomo (MHSRIP) | Ant Stigma |
| CEYOHO would like to take this opportunity to award our departed sister Cynthia Leshomo. During her life Cynthia was involved in numerous anti stigma activities both at home and abroad. She was crowned national Miss HIV Stigma Free in 2005 and continued fighting stigma until God called her. | |
Let the kids talk through art…
Nov 26, 2012
The 1st of December 2012 celebrates World AIDS Day. On that day, CEYOHO will be at the Nkoyaphiri Clinic in Mogoditshane. This year’s theme, is the same as last year’s and will continue until 2015; ‘Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths’. Last Wednesday evening, some of the younger members of CEYOHO met to prepare the event.
Here are the kids expressing themselves through art.
Please contact us for tickets
As the students were finishing their exams and the schools were closings for the summer holidays the children were spending their last week doing different activities. On November 21st, 2012 CEYOHO was invited to Mafitlhakgosi Primary School to talk to the Standard 5 and 6 students. HIV prevention and Gender based violence are the two main topics that were discussed with the children.
After a song and prayer the children were read a story about a boy who is physically and sexually abusive with one of his class mates. 
A very important topic as the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence begins. After reading the story, the students split up into small groups to answer a series of questions regarding HIV and Gender Based Violence. The children had the opportunity to share their answers with the rest of the group later on.
After, one of our Little CEYOHO Abstinence Club members, Ipolokeng, 16 years old, spoke about the club and the importance of abstinence for youth when it comes to HIV prevention. She spoke not only about abstinence from sex but also alcohol and drugs.
Thank you to the staff and students for this opportunity to speak about very important topics in this day and age.
Tlokweng Wellness Day
Oct 23, 2012
On Saturday October 20, 2012 some members of CEYOHO participated in the South East North Wellness day in Tlokweng. The day’s theme was Botsogo jo bo itekanetseng ke boikarabelo jwa me (A healthy lifestyle is my responsibility). For some of us the day started early with a walk, while we left from Matlala CJSS and others from Tlokweng College of Education. But we all ended at Tlokweng community centre where someone was waiting to give us an exercise class. It was a great way to start the day.
The rest of the day’s events started off with the welcome remarks and objectives made by the Member of Parliament the Honourable O.M. Gaborone. It then continued with a presentation on Prostate and Breast Cancer by Dr Andrew Logan as well as a presentation on Stroke Awareness by Ms Bakhwi Kably. This presentation was the followed by a presentation on Children Welfare by Mrs Cecilia Gaolatlhe, a fencing demonstration by the Botswana Fencing Association and a final presentation by Mr Kabelo Charles regarding Safe Disposal of Electronics. The community members were then invited to view stalls from different organizations including BORNUS, Botswana Red Cross Society, CEYOHO and many others.
. 
CEYOHO 
Written
on May 27, 2014