Summer camp for students affected by HIV
Kathmandu, Nepal
Sujan is an 8-year-old boy in the first grade. His life has been anything but easy – Sujan lost his biological father when he was just six months old and now lives with his mother, stepfather, and two younger siblings in a small rural village in Nepal. His mother is living with HIV, a diagnosis that casts a shadow far beyond her health. Although Sujan, his stepfather, and his siblings are HIV-negative, the stigma surrounding the disease in their tight-knit community affects the entire family.
Sujan’s stepfather is the sole breadwinner of the family, earning just Rs 250 a day, barely enough to cover the basics. Dreams like going on school picnics or class trips – moments that might seem small to others—are completely out of reach for Sujan.
But children like Sujan deserve to experience joy, connection, and the simple wonder of being a child. That’s why SAATH’s Hakuna Matata Summer Camp exists. For two days and one night, children affected by HIV are given a precious gift: the chance to leave behind their worries and immerse themselves in a world of singing, dancing, crafting, games, and laughter. By the end of the camp, these children often find more than fun – they find a community that understands them and a sense of belonging they’ve never felt before.
Books of Joy partnered with SAATH to make this possible by offering scholarships to five children, ensuring they can attend the camp free of charge. For kids like Sujan, this isn’t just a camp – it’s a rare moment to feel seen, supported, and free. Together, we can ensure more children get this life-changing experience and the chance to reclaim the childhood they deserve.
