Introduction

The process of deployment started in May 2005 with the training of mentors for two months.

On August 1^st, about Fifty Five volunteers were deployed under eleven mentors and thirty assistants.

Eleven operational areas were identified for mentorship exercise.

Deployment Outcomes

The deployment of mentors who were PLWHA was based on the assumption that they would use their experience and the training received in the two months Discipleship Training Program to make an impact in the following areas;

1)       Knowledge about AIDS, nature and its spread.

2)       Access to service providers.

3)       Adherence to drugs (Those on drugs)

4)       Assist those who are infected but are still in denial stages to;

a)       Take tests (HIV and CD4)

b)       Receive counseling.

c)       Begin on the course of Disclosure.

d)       Receive skills in responsible behavior approach.

5)       Formation of Discipleship Groups.

                      We are experimenting the method of counseling known as Supportive Group Counseling to control stigmatization; group cohesion is capable of restoring hope, human dignity and a sense of worthiness. The outcome has already been noticed among the mentors themselves. Since we started few months ago, we have witnessed a lot of individual and group changes. These changes include self image, positive approach towards the management and coping with their HIV status etc.

 Self motivation towards other PLWHAs has replaced self pity and withdrawal which is the major hindrance of disclosure among the PLWHAs. This positive outlook is un arguably, one of the major achievements in the discipleship program so far.

Postive Response Outcome

In addition to what has been mentioned in this report, the following objectives have been achieved:

   a) The initial training of mentors armed with proper counseling and appropriate

       Preventive approach to HIV/AIDS suitable for community behavioral                                                                                                     

              Transformation.

         b) Deployment of trained (fifty five) field volunteers into their communities.

         c) Moderate number of clients willing to take HIV and CD4 count tests.

         d) Increased positive public support and acceptance of PLWHA message

          e) High level support by local leaders and heads of local institutions (LCS and head teachers, administrators, prison officials and medical workers.)

          f) An opening opportunity to carry out mentorship training and mentorship services in the prisons service including CD4 Count Testing.

          g) A Macedonian call to extend mentorship services to the rest of the country by those who have benefited from its valued outcomes in the areas where it is operating.

          h) An assurance and significant indication that IBES is practical as a strategy to HIV eradication.