Speaker Marion Bunch, Founder and CEO of Rotarians Fighting AIDS (RFFA)

by Lori Nipp

In 1994, Marion Bunch lost her 28 year old son Gary to AIDS. Three years later, she turned her personal tragedy into a crusade to break the silence of AIDS, thereby reducing the stigma and making AIDS a mainstream issue.

She started at the local level, forming a partnership with AID Atlanta. This unique program introduces speakers who are HIV positive to youth in middle and high schools. These meetings occur through Rotary sponsored assemblies.

The primary purpose of every assembly is to challenge the teens' attitude of "invincibility" to this disease and to teach them HIV facts. Teenagers learn, from their peers how easily the AIDS virus may be contracted and what an incredible change it will bring to their lives.

Until Rotary's involvement, AID Atlanta had been unable to make a way into Metro area schools. Buckhead Rotary has been a partner in this project from the beginning.

With the initial success of the project and gaining a reputation as a passionate speaker on the subject of HIV/AIDS throughout the world of Rotary, Marion caught the attention of members of the Board of Rotary International. She was invited to Africa in 2001 to learn more about AIDS problems. In 2002, Past RI President Bhichai Rattakul heard her speak and requested assistance for a plan to "help the victims of AIDS, especially the children."

Responding, Marion formed a public/private partnership called "ANCHOR" (Africa Network For Children Orphaned and at Risk). At the same time, the RI Board of Directors approved the formation of Rotarians For Fighting AIDS, Inc. (RFFA), a Rotarian Action Group of Rotary International. RFFA operates in accordance with Rotary International policy, but is not an agency of, or controlled by, Rotary International.

AIDS has left behind 12.1 million orphans in Africa. To help these orphans and using the partnership model, RFFP and partners HOPE Worldwide, and The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation have established Kidz Clubs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Kidz Clubs are meeting places for children, within their communities, that provide safe spaces for them to meet, play, and interact. In their Clubs, they learn coping skills and build resilience. Counseling is provided to children dealing with grief, loss, violence and other challenges resulting from HIV/AIDS. On average, 30 to 50 children attend a Kidz Club meeting on a weekly basis. These meetings are held in a variety of locations such as schools, clinics, community centers, and faith-based organizations. While orphans and children affected by HIV and AIDS are the targeted beneficiaries, the clubs are open to any needy child in communities.

Most importantly, Kidz Clubs serve as a vehicle to identify and address the holistic needs of vulnerable children, and to extend support to their caregivers. Rotarians, community members and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in and support their local clubs. This community link vitally assists children and caregivers as they access services and support.

To date over 250 Kidz Clubs across seven countries in Africa, reaching and caring for more than 20,000 needy orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS. Rotary Clubs are supporting children in these clubs by providing much-needed material, nutritional and educational support. Additionally, the partners are also in the process of building a school for orphans.

Marion is an outstanding example of how one Rotarian can find his or her passion and truly make a difference in the world.