Uganda: memory books help children

Sharing memories, captured in a book

Beatrice Muwa, Senior Health Coordinator for Plan in Tororo, Uganda, is involved in a project encouraging AIDS infected parents in Uganda to make memory books for their children.

The project, among other things, assists HIV infected parents with acquiring knowledge and skills for securing their children’s future. Parents are, for example, encouraged to designate guardians, write wills, and make memory books for their children.

So far 250 families, parents and children together, have written memory books. More books have been started, but are yet to be completed. Some will never be completed, either because the parents die or because they don’t have the strength to continue writing.

"The memory books mean a great deal to both the parents and the children. The books help them put words to feelings, thoughts, and experiences," explains Beatrice. "This is a difficult process for many Africans because it is not common to talk about death before it occurs."

Beatrice says the memory books help children through the healing process and become their most treasured possession.

The goal of the project is to increase the quality of life for children and families living with, and affected by, AIDS through health interventions and through improving their economic and social status. The project has so far generated a lot of enthusiasm from the community, and an increasing number of people are asking to be tested and to receive assistance in making plans for their children.