Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
MORE than 4 000 orphaned and vulnerable girls across Masvingo Province are benefiting from the National AIDS Council’s (NAC) Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) programme, an initiative designed to empower adolescent girls through education support, mentorship and life-skills training.
The programme forms part of NAC’s broader strategy to reduce HIV vulnerability among adolescent girls and young women by addressing social, economic and structural risk factors.
One beneficiary, Letty Chiswe (not her real name), said the programme had transformed her life after financial challenges forced her to drop out of school.
“I am happy to be part of the DREAMS programme. My parents struggled to send me to school and I dropped out in Form Two. Through this programme, I was able to return to school and I am now in Form Three. They pay my school fees and also provide uniforms, stationery and sanitary wear,” she said.
Journalists recently toured schools implementing the programme during a NAC media tour, including Mazambara High School in Masvingo District, where about 30 learners benefit annually.
Parent-Child Communication Facilitators play a critical role in identifying beneficiaries and supporting programme implementation at community level.
“Our role as Parent-Child Communication Facilitators is to mobilise young girls in communities and educate them about their rights, adulthood and HIV and AIDS. We identify vulnerable children for the DREAMS programme, and we have seen many young girls benefit. The programme also addresses issues of drug and substance abuse,” said Ms Diana Mangisai.
NAC officials said the programme aims to keep girls in school while tackling harmful practices that heighten HIV risk.
“The intention of the DREAMS programme is to ensure that young girls are retained in school, reduce HIV vulnerability and curb child marriages and teenage pregnancies,” NAC acting Masvingo Provincial Manager, Mr Munorwei Munyikwa said.
“Since 2020, about 4 000 young girls across the province have benefited from the programme.”
Masvingo District AIDS Coordinator Mr Munyaradzi Mapwashike said priority is given to girls from child-headed households and those affected by early marriage.
“There is a serious need to support young girls so that they can remain in school and transform their lives. In addition to DREAMS, the Sister-to-Sister programme has been instrumental in providing adolescent sexual and reproductive health information,” he said.
He added that beneficiaries are linked to essential services, including HIV testing and counselling.
The DREAMS programme aligns with Government efforts to promote gender equality, protect vulnerable children and create a safer, more equitable environment for girls, while equipping them with skills and opportunities to reach their full potential.
