Finding independence and self-esteem in          The Solidarity Kitchen

Claudia’s story

“I am a transvestite and have been living with HIV for 7 years now, so it was very difficult for me to find honest work. Having never had a real job before and being raised in the favelas [shanty towns] amongst drug-users and sex workers, it was a new challenge for me.”
 
“I came to work at GTP+ through their Positive Hours project in 2006. As a result of attending the project and group self-help sessions, I was offered the opportunity to become a cleaner at GTP+. Then I began to work in the Cozinha Solidária – The Solidarity Kitchen. Although it was work, I felt I was accepted into a family.”

Founded in 2000, GTP+ (which means The Group of Workers in PositHIVe Prevention) encourages activities and education aimed at preventing the spread of HIV, AIDS, and sexually-transmitted infections. It also seeks to improve knowledge about the human rights of HIV-positive people. Through projects such as The Solidarity Kitchen, it helps people living with HIV and AIDS integrate into society by finding work, accommodation, or simply regular meals.

 
Colleagues at the Solidarity Kitchen  © TIE

The Solidarity Kitchen provides good, free meals at lunchtime to vulnerable people and those living with HIV and AIDS. It's also open for the public to come and have their lunch, which generates essential income for GTP+. Many of the Kitchen's employees have HIV or AIDS, and working there brings them independence and an opportunity to regain self-esteem.

Although the starting salary was small and the work was hard, Claudia quickly learned how to become a more organised, reliable person.

“After a year I was offered the position of receptionist. I had never done this type of work ever and I almost quit the position after two months because of my self-esteem. I felt that I was not doing the job well so I began to drink and not show up for work.

I had a meeting with the HR department and they gave me a three month trial period; I should turn up for work on time, I should see a psychologist once a week, and I should do a reception course. So I decided to stay in reception and do the tasks given to me.

I have started a course in attending to customers on the telephone and typing.  I am learning how to talk to people with politeness, and how to give clear information to people who ask about GTP+.

I had people staring at me when I started the course. It’s been 18 years since I last studied and, being an HIV-positive transvestite, I know I need to be stronger than most.  

My grandmother has so much pride to see me leaving the house everyday with my head held high. If it wasn’t for GTP+ I would be on drugs or probably dead.  The only thing I am missing in my life now is my own home but I am on track to do this.”


The Solidarity Kitchen creates a splash in the community © TIE

In February 2009, Ryan Fisher from Wieden + Kennedy advertising agency, volunteered to work with GTP+ for a month.

Working through an organisation called The International Exchange (TIE), and in partnership with International Service, Ryan and the team at GTP+ developed a project and PR campaign to raise the profile of The Solidarity Kitchen in the local community.

The project worked its magic and the kitchen has seen an incredible 50% increase in customers.

You can read about Ryan’s experience, complete with photos, over on The International Exchange's website

In this short video of his time at GTP+, Ryan explains how TIE works...