Dr Josianne Roma-Reardon

Izimvo is honoured to introduce Managing Director of OneVoice South Africa: Dr Josianne Roma-Reardon.

Josianne, 34, and was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada where she completed her studies, including one of her greatest achievements, her Ph.D. in Population Health.

Since marrying Mark, her South African husband in 2004, she has moved from Ottawa to London to Durban. She has made her home in Ballito, and always comments on how enjoyable her morning drives are to Musgrave, because she has the luxury of looking out for whales and dolphins!

Currently, she is the Managing Director of OneVoice South Africa, a vibrant and unique non-governmental organisation, which uses innovative and creative ways of actively involving young people in HIV and AIDS prevention.

Website: http://www.onevoice.org.za
Location: Durban

Josianne was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I’m fluent in English, French and Portuguese. My parents immigrated from Portugal to Canada in the 1960s, and always encouraged me to speak my mother tongue as well as the official languages of their new homeland. I went to French school during the week, Portuguese school on Saturdays and learnt English from all those American TV shows!

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Travelling to places where all you can see is beach, ocean and palm trees – a deserted island would do me fine.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: My dream home would be situated in Cape Agulhas, overlooking the exact spot where the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean meet. The actual house would have all the necessary amenities, lots of closet space, as well as a special area for my Martini bar.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property. Looking to build your dream home overlooking the ocean? How about this R725k vacant land in Struisbaai, on the corner of Moira and Eloise Street. Beautiful views over the ocean.

OneVoice South Africa

OneVoice South Africa in the classroom

Q: Please could you give us a brief description of what OneVoice South Africa does?

A: OneVoice South Africa (OVSA) is a vibrant and unique non-governmental organisation, which recognises the crucial role young people can play in HIV and AIDS prevention. The organisation especially believes in partnering with young people (13-19 years), as they are still facing limited access to HIV treatment, care and information – while also battling profound stigma, ignorance and denial. They are also without doubt, the emerging leaders of tomorrow.

Launched in 2005, the OVSA Schools Programme, which focuses on HIV and AIDS prevention is implemented with Grade 8 learners in 74 schools across KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. Developed by educational experts with input from learners, teachers and OVSA staff, the programme is aligned to the HIV & AIDS and STI Strategic Plan for South Africa (NSP 2007-2011), the national Life Orientation syllabus and seeks to address issues fuelling the South African HIV epidemic.

Q: What is the typical day like as the Managing Director of OneVoice South Africa?

A: Upon arrival at work and a quick “hello” around the office, I review my calendar for the day, address email queries and continue with the execution of daily and weekly tasks. All my duties tie into the overall goals of OVSA.

I support the organisation in its bid to achieve its aims and objectives through effective management and development of the overall OVSA programme, local and regional offices/staff, as well as planning and implementation of regional programmes in conjunction with key partners and stakeholders.

Q: How are young people adapting to HIV and AIDS in South Africa. Is there a change in perception about the disease?

A: Today, 1.3 billion young people live in the developing world. In South Africa alone, nearly 40% of all South Africans are between the ages of 14 and 35. Clearly, young people make up a significant part of our total population. And unlike the past, integration of young people in strategic planning and policy development is no longer lacking. In fact, they are one of our most valued assets as they almost all are affected and/or infected. As such their experiences of and with the HIV epidemic, have forced them to adapt and/or adjust their lifestyles and behaviour accordingly.

Around the world, an increasing number of HIV prevention programmes are now recognising the importance of partnering with young people – on programmes targeting youth. By providing them with the platform to voice and address their concerns, they can and will initiate change. Many lead by example in their communities; thereby investing in the next generation, who in turn, will be skilled and able to support sustainable change over time.

Thanks to the Government’s HIV & AIDS and STI Strategic Plan for South Africa (NSP 2007-2011) and organisational programmes such as the OVSA Schools Programme – an emphasis on comprehensive sex education, helps young people understand what puts their health at risk. Great emphasis is placed on ‘meaningful participation’ and this in turn encourages learner’s perception in their ability to positively influence their futures and those of their loved ones.

Q: What are some of the feel-good stories that make your job so rewarding and keep you and your staff motivated?

A: After a 2007 Formative Evaluation it was great to see that teachers felt that the Schools Programme benefits included a change in attitude, reflected by conversations that learners had in class. New discussion topics and project work around HIV and AIDS, teenage pregnancy, smoking and substance abuse also increased – as had the identification of burning community health issues which could benefit from an intervention.

Evidence of this can be found with the birth of the 2009 annual HIV Awareness Day at Alphendale High School in the Eastern Cape. This advocacy project was thanks to a group of OVSA learners who decided to “speak out…and make a change!” Convinced that their peers were in denial of the fact that everyone is affected by HIV and AIDS – they developed an awareness project around HIV testing, so as to facilitate a change in attitude towards HIV and AIDS. The school was buzzing with excitement on the day in question. Posters by the learners adorned the walls, encouraging young people to be aware; to protect themselves from HIV infection and know their status. A total of 60 people got tested. After the event, one learner stated proudly: “young people know what to do; they just need a little push in the right direction.”

Q: What are some of the more innovative ways that OneVoice South Africa has used to reach your target audience of young people aged 13-19 years?

OVSA Learner Advocacy Project

A: I think it is different to other programmes because its ‘innovative approach’ takes into account ‘good practice’ interventions, links programme content to the NSP and the Life Orientation curriculum, as well as addresses the country’s epidemic drivers. It also incorporates meaningful participation of young people and stakeholders, and most importantly teaches young people how to translate knowledge into action outside of the classroom.

OVSA’s emphasis on taking advocacy projects outside of the classroom and designing them to address an existing issue in the community are innovative in their creativity. Young people are drawn to the programme because it provides them with a number of meaningful participation avenues including:

- A safe environment and platform to discuss and address HIV and AIDS.

- An opportunity to use creative outlets in course materials and class activities, as well as occasions to develop advocacy projects through role play, poster design, drawing, poetry, etc.

Q: What is the best way for our readers to assist in the work you are doing at OneVoice South Africa?

A: At this stage, any form of support is appreciated. If you are interested in learning more about our work, please visit our website at www.onevoice.org.za.

However, due to the nature of our work in the NGO environment, we are continually looking for financial assistance in order to continue and sustain the great work we are doing with South African learners.

Another way people can assist us would be to support our MySchool/MyVillage campaign by filing out a form in support of our organisation (details can be found on our website).

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Although my immediate family lives in Canada, my husband and I have been fortunate to not have been affected by crime. However, I would like to state that there is crime everywhere and that we must be vigilant at all times. Yes, South Africa has its own issues, but there are several other countries that frighten me more than South Africa…be aware, be smart and be safe…at all times.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: Having myself immigrated to South Africa, I do at times think how different my life would be if we had stayed in London or moved to Ottawa. However, I also think of all the experiences I would have missed… the wonderful people I have met and the many things I have done since arriving in South Africa. Another reward for living here is that I have the power to change lives, which perhaps would have a different meaning elsewhere.

Q: If, with the flick of your fingers, you could improve one thing about South Africa, what would it be?

A: Efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: South Africa is a wonderful place and there are so many attractions, but my favourites to share with international visitors would be the Cape Winelands, Cape Agulhas and the Moses Mabida Stadium.

Life in Durban

Q: Where do you most enjoy spending that “Me” time in Durban?

A: At home, away from my computer.

Q: Favorite restaurant in or around Durban for lazy Sunday afternoon lunches with friends and family?

A: Although I don’t have too much time for lazy Sunday afternoon lunches, my favourite restaurant is Beira Alta in Ballito. It’s the best Portuguese restaurant in town – real authentic food, which reminds me of home.

Q: If you were tasked with commissioning a postal stamp depicting the beauty of Durban and it’s people, which image would you select?

A: It would be a stamp showcasing our young people, especially those that participate in the OneVoice South Africa Schools Programme – they really are our future leaders and all possess such potential.

General

Q: If you could invite any three South Africans to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve for starters?

A: This would be a strategic dinner and the purpose would be to request their involvement in promoting OneVoice South Africa, and so the starter would be an introduction to the organisation and how they could help influence and change the lives of young South Africans. My guests would be: Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, Caster Samenya and Zolani Mahola (lead vocals for Freshly Ground).

Q: Which South African personality would you most want directing you on your car’s GPS device?

A: Derek Van Dam – eNews Weatherman (hopefully he would only guide me where it was hot and sunny).

Q: Favorite South African brand?

A: Nando’s. Not only does it have a Portuguese flavour, it has the best adverts…too funny.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Jacob Zuma. I would ask him how can the South African Government better work and support South African NGOs in the fights against HIV and AIDS.

We’d like to thank Josianne for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her and her team at OneVoice every success for the future. The work they are doing is a true inspiration and a great example for us all to follow.