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International organizations

To commemorate our 1 million copies, many people in different parts of the world have sent us their comments on how SFH materials have helped to inform and strengthen their HIV-related work at community level. Here is a selection from international organizations.

“Strategies for Hope has been a tool that I have used effectively in WHO-related work in sub-Saharan Africa.  These materials are readable and well produced, and present visualizations and images that are easily recognized by Africans working on HIV-related issues.  They have been useful with policy makers on the African continent and with faith leaders, as they present accurate and cogent representations of what is actually happening and what it means to people on the ground.”  (Rev Canon Ted Karpf, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland)

“The Strategies for Hope materials are practical and enduring tools, providing encouragement and empowerment to communities struggling with the relentless impacts of HIV and AIDS.  The reach of SFH materials far exceeds the 1 million copies in circulation.  For example, for every worn, rain-splattered copy of Stepping Stones that is in circulation, there are thousands of people that have benefited from it.  This enduring manual has been passed around, copied, memorized and acted out in countless communities, who are hungry for its clear information and empowering, learning-centred approach to HIV and AIDS education.  As a result, communities have been mobilized, lives saved and hope restored.

When Journeys of Faith was released at the International AIDS Conference in Barcelona in 2002, the timing was perfect.  This was the first book published that showed what the local church can do in the battle against AIDS.  Its 100-plus pages highlighting church-based responses to HIV and AIDS in southern African countries revealed the power of the church to break down stigma, mobilize communities and reach out with love and care to those in their communities infected and affected by HIV.  Journeys of Faith helped to pave the way for the church to play a much more significant role in the fight against AIDS. 

The SFH materials are a ‘must-read’ for all involved in community-based AIDS initiatives.  Congratulations to the SFH family and the cast of thousands who made these life-saving and empowering materials possible.”  (Laura van Vuuren, Medical Teams International, Seattle, USA)

“The 1 millionth copy of Strategies for Hope materials is indeed a significant landmark and a tribute to the dedication and perseverance of all the efforts that went into making these materials available.” (Dr Mazuwa Banda, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland)

“Stepping Stones has helped ActionAid India to deepen and strengthen our work in the area of HIV and AIDS.  The adapted Indian version of Stepping Stones is now available in seven Indian languages as well as English.  ActionAid India has been using Stepping Stones to break the silence about sexuality and HIV among development workers, NGO staff and communities; to create more acceptance and facilitate the rights of vulnerable groups such as people living with HIV and AIDS, men who have sex with men, and injecting drug users; and to address issues of patriarchy and related issues which lead to HIV and AIDS amongst women.  The changes started by Stepping Stones have created ripples across the country, and the demand for Stepping Stones is growing.”  (Christy Abraham, ActionAid India, Bangalore, India)

“When I was working here in Namibia as National Coordinator of Catholic AIDS Action, Strategies for Hope rescued us time after time, whenever we didn’t know what to do or how to respond to challenges.  We used Stepping Stones as an experiential learning tool for teenagers and young adults.  We also used many of the SFH books, most recently the Called to Care handbooks, and also the video, Under the Mupundu Tree.  We were inspired by TASO, by the Rev Gideon Byamugisha, and the other organisations and people featured in these materials.  We found these materials easy to use, accessible, cheap, practically oriented and attractive.  (Lucy Y. Steinitz, Family Health International, Windhoek, Namibia)

“Under the Mupundu Tree (book and video) painted a vivid picture of the important role of volunteers in home care for people with HIV/AIDS and TB in Zambia’s Copperbelt - a picture that many found persuasive in acknowledging and promoting the role of volunteers as a key part of the overall response to the linked TB and HIV/AIDS epidemics.”  (Dr Dermot Maher, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland)

“Strategies for Hope has displayed key leadership in the field of HIV by providing faith-based organisations and church leaders with highly appropriate materials that will assist church leaders at the forefront of HIV and AIDS in implementing effective programmes.  These materials are highly focused on the key needs of church leaders who, with the members of their congregations, need to address the impact of HIV and AIDS in their communities.”  (Rev Christo Greyling, World Vision International, Johannesburg, South Africa)

“Here in Latin America and the Caribbean, SFH materials are one of the most effective tools we have to link the African experience of the AIDS pandemic with the innovative work of local communities.  Plan International, with support from UNICEF and others, has done a brilliant job of adapting the Stepping Stones package, in Spanish, enabling us to reach affected communities, especially young people, so they can tell their stories and share their insights.  If it were not for Strategies for Hope, we would be grappling to put the experiences together, to provide good guidance and to share invaluable lessons with millions of people in forgotten places.”  (Mark Connolly, UNICEF, Panama City, Panama)