In a remarkable collaboration that highlights the power of partnership, the HSCL ACE 3 team and Pro Health Initiative (PHI) implementing the ICSSHA-4 project, successfully empowered vulnerable individuals by providing life-changing skill acquisition training and cash transfers. Through this initiative, individuals, especially adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV), were given the tools and resources to achieve financial independence, break the cycle of poverty, and improve their quality of life.
The collaboration between ACE 3 and PHI focused on ensuring that clients under the ICSSHA-4 project were not only equipped with critical skills but also received financial support through cash transfers. These cash transfers enabled beneficiaries to start small businesses or pursue further training in their chosen fields, fostering both economic empowerment and self-reliance. Committed to improving the livelihood of these vulnerable populations, HSCL ACE 3 worked alongside the PHI team to identify beneficiaries to benefit from this initiative, with a focus on families and individuals living with HIV.
Similarly, HSCL ACE 3 in partnership with Project HOPE, also added another layer to this impact by introducing a skills acquisition program designed specifically for adolescents and young people living with HIV. The OTZ program, known for its emphasis on viral load suppression, adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and ending stigma, went beyond healthcare to offer practical skills training that could transform the lives of its beneficiaries. Under the OTZ skills acquisition program, participants received hands-on training in various income-generating activities including computer training, baking, and tailoring.
A notable outcome of this initiative is the transformation in the lives of the beneficiaries. The combination of skill acquisition training and financial support has enabled participants to take charge of their futures. Beneficiaries now have the skills to generate sustainable income, supporting themselves and their families. Additionally, by engaging in income-generating activities, these individuals can better adhere to their ART regimens, as financial stability helps reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
A 22-year-old beneficiary, Amina, who is living with HIV, shared her experience.
"Before this program, I had little hope for the future. I struggled with stigma and finding work was hard. Thanks to the OTZ training in computer skills and the cash transfer support, I now run a small cybercafé in my community. I feel empowered, and I am proud of the path I am on."
Another beneficiary, 19-year-old Ibrahim, who received tailoring training also said: "This training has given me the skills to start my own business. I never thought I would be able to provide for myself and my family, but now I can. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, and I’m determined to succeed."
