Mkhuzweni -The visit by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Eswatini (NCME) and its donor partners to Mkhuzweni Health Centre was met with excitement and gratitude from peer supporters and peer mothers serving under the READY Project.
Coming straight from an impactful adolescent HIV disclosure session at Ndvwabangeni Nazarene Clinic, the NCME team made time to sit with the frontline community workers in Mkhuzweni — a gesture the peer supporters said made them feel seen, valued, and encouraged in their work. For many of them, this was more than just a courtesy call. It was recognition.
Peer supporters and peer mothers expressed how uplifting it was to have NCME and the donors visit them in their own space, listen to them directly, and witness the realities of community-based HIV support. They said such visits renew their energy to continue walking with adolescents and young mothers living with HIV.
After welcoming the delegation, the peer supporters shared powerful stories about:
- how they support adolescents through HIV disclosure and treatment adherence,
- how they follow up with young mothers to keep them in care,
- and how they deal with stigma, loss to follow-up, and social challenges in their communities.
They also spoke honestly about the difficulties they encounter, from limited resources to emotional strain. They emphasized that encouragement from NCME and partners helps them to keep going. NCME and the donors thanked the team at Mkhuzweni for being the “hands and feet” of the programme, noting that community-led HIV responses succeed when peer supporters are motivated, trained, and appreciated.
This visit reaffirmed NCME’s commitment to strengthening adolescent-friendly, community-based HIV services in Eswatini and ensuring that the people doing the real grassroots work are not forgotten.
