The Strengths Cafe

The Strengths Cafe is delighted to host a growing array of stories, poems and illustrated picture books, many of which have been created by young or amateur writers, as well as by experienced authors and designers.

This month we're excited to add Sheela's Confidence to the Strength Cafe's collection of the online publications. Produced by 'Buds of Christ' which is based in Chennai, India, this simple story shows HIV positive kids how to manage medication and still have a full and active life. Our thanks go to Jeyapaul Sunder Singh who invited us to host this great little publication.

If you would like to to contribute stories, artwork, poetry or anything that you think might find a good home in the Strengths Cafe, please send it to us.

But for a look at our contributors so far...

Click here to download the PDF (2 MB) of Sheela's Confidence

Written by Jeyapaul Sunder Singh

Edited by Kavitha Kolappa

Illustrations by Shivakar with designwork by Subramani

Buds of Christ (BoC) is a humanitarian organisation working exclusively with children living with and orphaned by HIV and AIDS. BoC offer health, education and livelihood options for children and their families. Their mission is ‘to love, listen and lead children affected by HIV and AIDS to live life positively and be kids of hope and courage for their community'.

Sheela's Confidence has been designed as an educational and motivational tool for children living with HIV, and invites children to keep to their ARV treatment. Interactions with children affected by HIV revealed that most of the children are only exposed to information based on the dread or fear of HIV. This book is intended for such children so that they are encouraged to access treatment and adhere to it.

Click here for The Island of Robots

By Broc Baker

Click here for KIERA'S STORY

Kiera is 12 years old and part of the Kids With Confidence program. This program provides an outlet for children who have a family member with a mental illness. It is a chance for kids to meet other kids in similar situations and to simply have fun away from the home environment. It includes activities such as camps, and fun outings. Kiera's story won second prize in a national essay competition on the theme of mental health.

Click here for DON'T RUN!

Poetry by Karyn Steadman

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