FASO is a grassroots, non-governmental organization formed by people living with HIV. Located in the heart of Mutare, FASO buzzes with activity at the drop in center for women and children. It provides counseling, advocacy, HIV testing and education to its members and the surrounding communities.
Since 2000, Africa AIDS Response has supported their skills development and income generation projects by providing seed financing and by purchasing the beautiful hand make quilt panels created by FASO members. The direct purchase of these panels in Mutare provides immediate, individual assistance to these members and their families empowering them to send their children to school, provide food for their families and live positively. The profits from the sale of the panels here in Portland are then returned to FASO for further program assistance.
FASO is also connected with the St. Werburgh’s community. The organization provides education and advocacy for teachers and students in the St. Werburgh’s primary school and Veronica, the headmistress of the primary school, acts as a liaison with FASO to facilitate communication and panel exchange.
FASO is currently setting up local markets for the products of income generation projects, providing care and support programs and viable economic projects to increase the economic security of individuals. Phyllis, a FASO member, told AAR “our desire is to do something by ourselves so we are not dependent.”
Please check back to this page soon to click and purchase one of FASO’s beautiful panels!
Visit our Photo Gallery to see more of FASO.