"I was a supervisor at the factory until about two years ago when I did an HIV/AIDS counseling course through Care Lesotho. The factory then gave me a job as a counselor. Last year I did another training course held by ALAFA," says Mapoloko.

"While working at the factory I witnessed people suffering with HIV. I saw my friends and her colleagues falling ill and dying all around me." This affected Mapoploko emotionally and she felt that she needed to do something to fight the virus. "I wanted to give people hope and reassure them that they can live a productive life with HIV."

Mapoloko has a strong relationship with the workers in the factory. She says: "They trust and respect me. I have been tested six times and am open about my status."

Mapoloko's job at the factory is to counsel those living with HIV She also works with other workers to make sure that those who are HIV-positive are not stigmatised. "We hold regular meetings with a support group for those who are affected by HIV. In these meetings, workers are free to discuss any topic and seek assistance for any problem related to HIV/Aids."

Mapoloko joined the support group to help her cope with her feelings about the suffering caused by HIV/AIDS and also to help those around her understand the virus and what ALAFA can do for them. "I explain to each worker that ALAFA supports us with medical check-ups at the factory and treatment."

Mapoloko also oversees the ALAFA peer educator programme at the factory. She explains: "There are now 25 peer educators who were trained by ALAFA. ALAFA also provides condoms for us, which makes out jobs much easier."

"We are very grateful that we have ALAFA."