Tapologo, a Setswana word indicating the theme of peace
and rest expresses well the Mission of Tapologo which is guiding
the response of this faith-motivated community-centered HIV/AIDS Programme.
The value
base of this programme moves from basically Christian perspective but
is inclusive of fundamental human and cultural values which are at the
heart of life-giving relationships ad action. This foundation of values
should enable anyone who is involved in Tapologo to find
the other person, no matter who they are. Tapologo will always be completely
non-discrimatory in terms of both staff and the people it will care
for. Its mission will always be inclusive of everyone in the community,
but it will especially be concerned for the poorest and most vulnerable
members of society in which we serve.
Among the
values at the heart of the Mission of Tapologo are reverence for the
individual human person, a deep respect for their journey and story
no matter what has happened in their life, and a consequent totally
non-judgemental attitude which is raised to the level of a reverent
acceptance of this persons uniqueness as a human being. This in
turn will motivate all the other values of compassion, care, support,
solidarity and sharing with people experiencing any form of suffering,
marginalisation, alienation and loneliness as a human being, and especially
among those who are infected and affected by HIV/Aids.
It will
take in all aspects of community relationships and interaction as well,
so that people encounter each other as fellow human beings who are sharing
the journey towards a deeper quality of life which should reveal the
inherent dignity of every person. This should be especially evident
in the way we take to our hearts Aids orphans and other vulnerable children
not only as children with needs, but as our very own children who belong
to us, the community, and for whom we are responsible as the human family.
These values,
and others, will always be at the core of the Mission of Tapologo as
we develop in a concrete way the actual programmes which respond to
the developing needs of children, single mothers, parents, guardians,
families and all who are affected in any way by the HIV pandemic. It
will take account of the socio-political, economic, and cultural dimensions
of any particular situation. But the starting point will always be the
great capacity for people to recognise their inner giftedness and resources,
their motivations and aspirations to create a better world simply through
relationships which breathe the spirit of love, care, compassion and
solidarity.
Living
out the spirit opens the way then for skills training and capacitation
needed to manage and run accountably the various programmes which are
being implemented by Tapologo, and to do everything in a highly professional
manner: home based care and counselling, hospice in-patient unit providing
professional nursing and care for terminally ill children and adults;
education and awareness programmes directed to vulnerable young people
and adults, orphan care through foster programmes/foster homes for orphans
who will remain in a community support system among their people; and
anti-retroviral therapy programmes for those who need it most.
Tapologo
will always seek to be present and active especially among the poorest
and most vulnerable people in society. The objective of every facet
of the Tapologo Programmes is that people should have life and
life to the full (John 10:10).
That is Tapologos Mission.
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