Happy New Year ,Happy New Me!

We are at the end of the year and I can't stop thinking about all the changes I faced this last year.
I have been able to make some of my deams come true. Like travelling to Burundi helping Batwa for HIV education. It went well and I thank many of you for your help. I had other challenges regarding my health where I almost got blind by the silly Diabetes . For quite a while my sight was getting worst. I was not confidence to bike in evening, I got blinded by the night lights. I was glad here in the Netherlands they had a solution to my problem. I had an operation to both of my eyes; the first in November, 3 days before reaching my 41st birthday, and another in December, after christmas. I am delighted to share with you that my eyes are now in Good shape. I can see 150 % and 120% to the newely operated eye.
This New year is going to be more positive and beautiful year. I am thankful to be around my lovely family. I dream of a Wold  full of peace and love where I can continue doing my Cultural activicties and my Hiv activisme, especially in Africa and in other places of the World.

Happy New year, Happy new Me!

I wish all of you and your family a Happy New year 2018!

Dear Santa

It's Christmas seasons ,many people are expecting Santa Clause to come and share presents for good and bad people.As Mutwa child(Pygmee child) I have been all year good! Should I expect any present from Santa?

Dear Santa I have a question. Do you know how Batwa children celebrate  Christmas?We have heard about you everytime during Christmas seasons.Did you ever see where I live? My parents wish to give me Chrismas present but they can not afford  it. Living in house with no roof our wishes are "Could you give us a beautiful home as Christmas present?" I kind of miss sleeping in dry house. Here I count all nights during the rainy season. Many Batwa children in my village sleep in house like this and We barely have toys to play with . But our concerns is living healthy ,go to school and plan our beter future.
How  do we do that when some of Us never get a chance to have all school materials? We know you love children, right Santa? Do you love Us too? We are Batwa children and deserve your love!
Please come to Us this Christmas seasons .If you are too busy send some Angels to reach our villages in Burundi.
I trust you Santa , I have seen you in my dream. I am hoping to see you in real life.
Thank you again,
The Voice of Mutwa Child.
Peace,
Eliane

Embrace!

I have been thinking the easy way to share some of the important guidance to people who have just been diagnosed with HIV. I did not have a chance a few years ago when I was diagnosed, there was no internet where people could read information.It was doctor words against my words.I did not get any advice So here I can help after my 15 years of living with HIV.

The first thing to do after you find out your HIV status is to search for informations instead of start counting the days left for you to die with negative thoughts.
Embrace your HIV status .You are lucky to find out because with right medications you will live a long, healthy life like anyone else.
Don't fight it, it won't help you it will only put you down.

Be Positive and don't change who you are .HIV is just a chronic disease.It is manageble for people who aware of their status.
It is not the end of the World and please don't think anyone can smell that you are HIV positive .It is also not written into your face .
Take it easy and you don't have to be open about it only when you feel you are READY.
So please make peace within yourself and get ready because once you are out of the closet ,there is no turning back. STIGMA out there will be waiting for your response.You need a strong positive mind  to fight back against any Stigma and discrimination around HIV and AIDS.
Be sure you are ready for this!

Yes your Freedom is your Right but not always this is the case.Sometimes we need to take it slow and see how far we get!
Be positive Be you!
Peace !
Eliane