9 April 2018
The Flair Magazine visited the home of Eve for Life last week and spoke with Executive Director, Claudia Fletcher, about their inspiring and life-changing movement. Eve for Life, based in Jamaica, is a non-governmental organisation which serves to provide psychosocial support for women and children living with or affected by HIV or AIDS, as well as improving the reproductive, sexual rights and better the overall quality of life for those diagnosed with HIV or AIDS or facing gender-based violence. "Part of the work we do here is help women see that this does not define who they are and show them that they can achieve their goals, as long as they take their medication," Fletcher said. A healthy lifestyle is always compromised based on their background so Eve for Life supplies nutritional support, too.
Women assisted by Eve for Life range between the ages of 14-24. The organisation realised that this particular group was being neglected, receiving little to no funding, so they tapped into this niche, bridging the societal gap among females. High-school dropouts and teen moms participate in several care and after-care initiatives. "There are bi-monthly support group meetings - you will be surprised that half the battle is won when they are surrounded by individuals like themselves, going through it with them, and camaraderie is built. As a result is amazing. We also have a Mentor Moms programme: nothing beats having someone who is living with HIV or AIDS help you to overcome struggles they have encountered," an enthusiastic Fletcher revealed.
Celebrating their 10th year of existence, they are currently helping girls and women throughout Jamaica, from Kingston and St Andrew, St Thomas, St Catherine, St Ann, and St Mary to Trelawny, St James, Hanover, and Westmoreland.
Eve for Life has received support from partners such as UNICEF, UN Women, European Union, Johnson & Johnson, Rise Life Management Services, government ministries (e.g. Health and Education). While Fletcher pointed out that the administrative aspect is severely underfunded, they are grateful for the aid thus far, the strides they have made and most important, the lives they have saved.
Read the full article online here.