“People would describe me as a person who loves simple things, is straightforward, and loves to surround herself with people that bring positive energy. This is important because I discovered that I was HIV Positive in 2005 at age of 14. I have greatly benefitted from the support offered at the Rise Up! House for adolescent girls like me who come for ART pick-ups at the House where is it more comfortable and welcoming. I also benefitted from the enhanced adherence counseling sessions led by the Peer Navigators for girls like me who struggle with self-stigma and not able to open up about their status. Rise Up! has provided a safe place for me to enjoy my favorite hobbies such as singing, writing short stories and discovering new things. I have also benefitted from the leadership skills that I learned at Rise Up! and the opportunity to now be a peer navigator and help other young girls rise above the stigma, stay on their treatment, and reach their potential. “

Nasilele Milinga, speaker for Africa Day 2021 virtual celebration organized by the US State Department