“Any more questions?”
“Yes madam. Are you trying to say that when a needle pricks an infected person and pricks an uninfected person after, the latter can test positive for HIV?”, a young man asked.
“Yes, please you’re very right but, like I said, “HIV is not a death sentence, once you test positive, you can be on medication and you’ll be alright"

For five months, I looked forward to the weekend more than anything else. I had peace of mind and to my surprise, I lost thirty kilos. Doctor got wind of my activities, rather unfortunately he was too shy to look in my face. But as the saying goes, nothing last forever. Soon, I was dreading the day I was going to return back to the city. HIV cases dropped drastically and more youth opened up to me with their problems. I was overwhelmed, I must say.
Exactly a month to my end of service, I received an invitation to the annual festival of the village. From what I heard, it was the biggest of its kind and I couldn’t wait to attend.

Dressed in my kaba, slit and duku, I made my way to the durbar ground. Just as I took my seat, I spotted Fahim in his rich kente cloth as he danced gracefully to the tunes of the drum. He swayed majestically and carried the air of authority just like his dad.
Soon everyone was cheering as the chief together with other chiefs from surrounding villages entered the durbar ground. It was a beautiful sight to behold. None like I had seen before. The entire atmosphere was filled with rich colours of kente and the air carried the authentic sound of the drums. I fell in love with everything.

Soon, seats were taken and speeches were given. I had no idea what was in store for me. Then, it was time for the chief to speak. From what I observed, he was the people’s favourite for they couldn’t stop cheering as he danced passionately to the podium.
His speech encompassed topics ranging from praising his people to stating the development the village had made in terms of farming and everything else in general. He spoke the Akan language so well.
Did I hear my name? Oh God, the chief mentioned my name. I was shaking. I couldn’t believe it.
“It was no news that our village recorded the highest HIV cases and its related death in our municipality and all interventions were not working. Even our own Junior Fosu Larbi couldn’t handle the issue.”, he added as he laughed lightly. By this time, I was standing by his side. “But this young lady over here”, he gestured as he held my shoulders, “has proven that she has exceptional skills and she carries the love for people in her heart. I don’t know how she did it but she has done tremendously well and for this, she has been crowned the queen of the youth for the year and I am offering her a permanent job in the clinic with free accommodation and electricity if only she agrees”.
Of course, I agreed. I couldn’t be happier or proud of myself. That night, I slept with my citation close to my bosom with a very big smile that could brighten the whole earth.