It has been an exciting moment for 16 widow mothers on 24th and 25th of May 2016 at Yercaud. For most of the women it has been their first visit outside the district and a time to explore their themselves and to empower themselves to care for their HIV positive children. What started as an introduction led to many women ventilating their fears and concerns of their own and their children's future.

The encouragement was by the positive sharing of Ms. Geetha who herself is a widow living with HIV. Her sharing enabled the women to have a positive thought about the future. Though the trip was a casual plan that emerged from few of the members, it has further encouraged them to sustain the relationship by meeting at least once in two months as a strong support group for mothers.

New ideas have also emerged from the mothers to start a small saving scheme and also a part time business to facilitate an additional income to support the family needs. The women have also planned a yearly retreat of similar kind by generating savings for it through monthly basis.

As the organisation in charge, I was happy on the outcome of the programme and also support the event to encourage well being of the mothers as their well being matters their health and children's health too. I also take the opportunity to thank the well wishers and Global Giving who partnered the initiative - Jeyapaul, Director of Buds of Christ

As a staff and a widow mother living with HIV, I was happy to be part of it ,especially in helping me to encourage them and come together as one family - Geetha Centre Coordinator, Buds of Christ

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