title: The founder of the Friends Foundation--Tessie Soi.
abstract: Tessie Soi is well known in Papua New Guinea and beyond for her work with HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome) patients, including through the Friends Foundation, an organization that focuses on helping families affected by HIV and AIDS. This article explores Tessie's early life and childhood, providing insight into some of the values she learned from her parents. Providing details about the Friends Foundation and the Orphan Buddy Systems program, a program Tessie established to support AIDS orphans, the article offers insight into Tessie's beliefs and compassion, simultaneously highlighting the value she places on her family.
authors.forename: Ore
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Topurua
mesh_terms: D005582:Foundations / Q000266:history*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000266:history* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D010219:Papua New Guinea; D012947:Social Work / Q000266:history*