#UpgradeYourWorld: Recognizing the work of Keep a Child Alive

Since kicking off our 12-month #UpgradeYourWorld initiative which began in September, we’ve spotlighted one non-profit each month to celebrate the impact of their work and their key champions in their local communities and around the world. November marks the start of our global partnership with Keep a Child Alive (KCA), an organization that works to eradicate AIDS especially amongst children and youth by combating the physical, social and economic impacts of HIV. We are supporting KCA’s mission with an investment of $500,000 as well as a technology donation to further drive their efforts and raise awareness for the incredible work the organization does in countries around the world.

Photo Credit: Chris Saunders – Keep a Child Alive
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Dosa, Peer Educator, with a group of children at WE-ACTx after a music lesson

The Windows 10 team recently visited Alive Medical Services (AMS), a community-based program that KCA supports in Kampala, Uganda, to better understand the work and impact of the organization on the ground. We captured footage focused on the important role technology plays in helping young people living with HIV lead healthy and productive lives as an integrated part of our society. The video we created premiered at the Black Ball earlier this evening, Keep a Child Alive’s signature fundraising event hosted by Grammy award-winner, Alicia Keys and actor, comedian and director, Chris Rock. The evening celebrated the work of KCA and helped to raise the necessary funds to provide treatment and care for children, youth and families living with and affected by HIV in Africa and India. Held at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, the event included performances by Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz, Wale, WizKid, LION BABE and others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Rb-Qf7gBlY&feature=youtu.be

Introducing technology into programs for young people in Africa and India has helped expand KCA’s impact and we are honored to help. Through communication tools like Skype, KCA establishes peer-to-peer connections among young people living with HIV from various communities, enabling them to find their voices, talk about everyday challenges and share their hopes for the future. Technology, helps patients share and discuss their personal experiences, receive daily treatment reminders and inspire others involved in the clinics.

Photo Credit: Chris Saunders – Keep a Child Alive
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Clinic staff at WE-ACTx for Hope

Remember to follow along for more information on Upgrade Your World and please continue to share your stories about how you are working to #UpgradeYourWorld by using the hashtag. To learn more about Keep a Child Alive visit their website.