Changed Lives: Rajab

Rajabu lives in western Kenya. He is a peer-educator, for the Nasio Trust’s Egmont-supported project, teaching young people how to avoid HIV. Here is his story, in his own words.

My name is Rajabu Kweyu Makokha. I am 27 years old and was born and raised in western Kenya, in a slum called Lumino. I lost my father when I was only two years old, so I have no memories of him. I only know what he looked like through photographs.

Imagine growing up in a slum, barely affording a meal a day, let alone school uniforms and fees, in a household of eight with a single mother who had no job and relied on the kindness of others. Life was extremely tough. I remember days when we had nothing but water to sustain us, and my mother, with tears in her eyes, would say, “This is all I can provide.” It was heartbreaking to see her feeling like she had failed as a mother.

Despite the hardships, she remained strong and constantly reminded us to work hard in school to change our future. To support me and my siblings, my mother started a small street food business and did household chores in the neighbourhood. Thankfully, my younger sister and I got the opportunity to join The Nasio Trust, which became a turning point in our lives. Nasio provided us with food, uniforms, love, and support throughout our education. Even during the holidays, they ensured I had food.

Growing up, I witnessed first-hand the impact of HIV & AIDS. I remember one of my cousins who was born with HIV. Before his visit to our home, our family held a meeting where we were instructed to avoid him. He was served food separately, isolated. At the time, no one in our household had any knowledge about HIV treatment, and myths and misconceptions about the disease were widespread. HIV was seen as deadly and shameful, and families affected were often shunned. Even today, knowledge of the disease remains a major challenge in our community.

With the help of the Nasio Trust I was able to join St. Ignatius Mukumu Boys High School for my secondary education. I was very happy to have this opportunity and promised myself to do my best. Nasio paid my school fees, provided me with revision materials, tuition classes and computer lessons during the holidays. Nasio also taught me and my classmates more about HIV & AIDS. It was then that I realised people living with HIV are just like anyone else — they deserve love, care, and access to medication to boost their immunity. I left secondary school with this desire to give back, so I was fortunate that Nasio supported me to join a medical college and study to become a doctor.

When Egmont partnered with The Nasio Trust to support the Peer Education Programme, I became an active peer educator, working with the youth in my community, something I am deeply passionate about and see as a way of giving back. I am one of 466 peer educators trained by Nasio with Egmont’s support, we provide advice on HIV and sexual health in schools, health centres and community groups.

I feel fulfilled when I raise awareness on important issues such as HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health, and other topics that people may not be well-informed about. Sharing knowledge and witnessing its positive impact is a great achievement. Being a role model to young people is especially meaningful to me, as I have grown up in this community and understand it deeply, knowing first-hand the challenges young people face.

Today, I am incredibly happy to give back to my community.