Break Ground: advance adolescent care in Kenya

Dear Friends,

Thank you for all your support of The Rafiki Center of Excellence in Adolescent Care. Rafiki means friend in Swahili, and it reflects our commitment to a safe and adolescent-friendly clinic. The clinic has now been running for more than a year and we want to give you a glimpse of what your support gives our patients and the friendliness it provides.

Our adolescents shared these statements about what the clinic means to them:

• “I see Rafiki clinic as a safe haven for adolescents and young people”

• “The clinic stands out as a center of excellence in HIV management, access to information, and a rehabilitative center for the young people who explore on their talents and find mentorship on how to live a positive life free from stigmatization and discrimination.”

• “What I love the most about Rafiki is the flexibility of the staff with the aim of assisting the young people without judging them”

• “Adolescents can access services without discrimination”

• “Confidentiality of every client’s information is what I love most about Rafiki. There are many different activities at Rafiki so no one really knows of the health issues the adolescent is facing. They can access care without any of their peers branding them as infected.”

Without your support, our adolescents would not have had this safe and friendly space to access the care they need and deserve. Thank you for all that you have done for the clinic!