Tembeni Fazo

Ms. Fazo is a peer counselor at African Services where she facilitates daily workshops for the Independent Living Skills program and serves as a counselor and educator for the HIV positive African and Caribbean immigrants we serve. “Having gone through the ordeal of testing positive in 2001, I accumulated the strength, compassion, courage and wisdom to enhance the life of others living with HIV,” she says. Tembeni is also involved in African Services’ HIV Stigma Initiative, which uses innovative media strategy to reduce discrimination against people living with HIV and build leadership in communities most affected. Tembeni brings to her advocacy work previous experience as a peer counselor at the New Life Post Test Center in Harare, Zimbabwe where she received her certificate in HIV/AIDS counseling. In 2006, she took part in Zimbabwe’s first national anti-stigma campaign and appeared on billboards, radio and television across the country. She is a member of the U.S. Positive Women’s Network, the International Community of Women and a founding member of Thembinkosi Support Group in Harare. Originially from Harare, Tembeni settled in New York City in 2008. She speaks Shona, as well as English.