by Peter Floriano Borges
At a time when HIV conversations are often reduced to medicines, viral loads and treatment targets, a quiet but powerful movement unfolding in Goa is reminding society that young people living with HIV need much more than medical care — they need belonging, emotional safety, leadership opportunities and hope.
For thirteen years, Human Touch Foundation has been building exactly that through WeRise, one of India’s longest-running residential resilience and leadership programmes for adolescents and young people living with HIV. What began as a small psychosocial support initiative for children from Goa has today evolved into a deeply curated intervention reaching over 1,000 adolescents and youth through its summer and winter editions.
Held from May 20 to 25 at Divine Springs, Xellim in Canacona, WeRise 2026 – Summer Edition brought together nearly 100 participants from Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra for five days of reflection, healing, friendship and self-discovery.
But unlike conventional camps, WeRise is not built around sympathy. It is built around dignity.
Participants were grouped into age-specific categories called Navigators, Explorers and Leaders, allowing sessions to respond to the emotional and developmental realities of children transitioning into adolescence and adulthood while living with HIV. Conversations throughout the camp focused on emotional wellbeing, mental health, treatment literacy, healthy relationships, digital safety, leadership, self-esteem, rights awareness and future planning.
For many participants, however, the most powerful moments were not always inside formal sessions. They emerged during beach walks, reflection circles, late-night conversations, shared meals and emotional peer-sharing spaces where young people finally felt free to speak openly without fear of judgement.
“I usually avoid talking about HIV even with close friends because I am scared of how people may react,” shared “Nisha” (name changed), a participant from Maharashtra. “But here, I realised I don’t have to hide. I felt accepted for who I am.”
That sense of belonging is exactly what Human Touch Foundation has tried to build consistently over the years.
One of the most emotional highlights of WeRise 2026 was the “Stories of Hope” session, where older youth who once attended the camp as shy children returned years later as mentors and speakers. Their stories of navigating stigma, continuing education, finding employment and rebuilding confidence deeply moved younger participants, many of whom are still struggling with self-doubt and fear about the future.
“I saw people who were once sitting where I am today now speaking confidently and helping others,” said “Rohan” (name changed), a participant from Karnataka. “It gave me hope that life can become better.”
The evolution of WeRise itself reflects changing realities faced by adolescents living with HIV today. Earlier editions focused largely on treatment adherence, emotional support and reducing stigma. Today, the programme also addresses issues such as mental health, identity, online safety, healthy relationships, self-worth and preparing young people for adulthood in a rapidly changing world.
According to Celina Menezes, Co-Convenor of WeRise 2026 and Lead – Care and Support at Human Touch Foundation, this shift has been intentional. “The emotional realities of adolescents today are very different from what they were years ago. Young people are dealing not only with HIV-related stigma, but also loneliness, social pressure, digital risks and anxiety about their future. WeRise has evolved to respond to these realities in a holistic way,” she said.
The organisation believes that long-term psychosocial support is one of the most neglected areas within HIV interventions for adolescents and youth.
“Resilience cannot be built overnight. For thirteen years, WeRise has created a community where young people living with HIV feel accepted, valued and empowered. Some who once came here as shy children are today mentoring others. That transformation is deeply powerful,” said Venicia Fernandes, Secretary of Human Touch Foundation.
Throughout the camp, participants engaged in leadership exercises, peer bonding activities, creative expression, nutrition demonstrations, treatment literacy sessions and conversations around rights and self-advocacy. Yet the camp’s biggest impact may lie in something far less visible — helping young people rediscover confidence in themselves.
As the final day ended with emotional embraces, tears and promises to remain connected, it became clear that WeRise is no longer simply an annual camp.
For many adolescents and young people living with HIV, it has become a lifeline of community, resilience and hope — a reminder that they are far more than their diagnosis, and that their futures still deserve to be full of dreams, dignity and possibility.
(The writer is the Founder, Human Touch Foundation; former, Member & Chairperson, Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights
Assistant Professor, Social Work, Goa University)
