Sara in South Africa

Our first community engagement opportunity came at Nkosi’s Haven. ‘The Haven’ is a non-profit residence in Johannesburg for mothers and their children who are affected by HIV/AIDS. Many are also seeking safety from domestic violence. We met and talked with many of the mothers and afterwards were treated to musical performances from the kids.

What I found to be most interesting about Nkosi’s Haven was its origin story. We had the HONOR to meet Gail, the founder and current matriarch of the organization. During the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Gail took in Nkosi Johnson, a young Black boy who was born with the virus. She supported him in becoming a “little activist,” although his young age is the only possible “little” thing about him. Nkosi championed his right to attend school, despite his medical status, resulting in a court ruling. He held interviews in which he educated parents and peers about the virus. He spoke at the World AIDS Conference and met with President Nelson Mandela. All before the age of 12! Despite his passing from the virus in 2001, Gail has maintained Nkosi’s Haven in his honor as a place for women and children to maintain a life together with dignity. This is sadly far too rare for those in similar situations.