We Asked . . . Lisa Robinson

Q: What is Nkosi's Haven, and why did you decide to spend the holidays there?

A: Nkosi's Haven is a village for women and children with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Nkosi Nonthlanthla Johnson was South Africa's longest-surviving child born HIV positive. He died at the age of 12.

In July 2000, Nkosi, described as a slight child with the soulful eyes and full-blown AIDS, captured the hearts of millions of TV viewers, when his address at the 13th International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, was televised worldwide. In a speech that he wrote himself, the 11-year Nkosi spoke frankly to delegates about his experiences with HIV and about the issues surrounding AIDS in South Africa.

In part of his speech, he commented, "Care for us and accept us: We are all human beings. We are normal. We have hands. We have feet. We can walk, we can talk, we have needs just like everyone else. Don't be afraid of us. We are all human beings."

The new village for women and children was the direct result of Nkosi's efforts along with his foster mother Gail Johnson. He just wanted a place where mothers and children touched by HIV/AIDS could live together with dignity. Like many others around the world, I was emotionally touched by Nkosi's strong desire to help others at such a young age.

Also, the Christmas holidays were always a special time in our household. Our parents, who just cel-ebrated their 50th anniversary this month, always instilled in my siblings and me that giving was more important than receiving. Thus, our holidays growing up in New Jersey and New York were always filled with lots of love, joy and laughter with friends and extended family. I would like to bring that same "spiritual" feeling to the families at Nkosi's Haven.

Q: You planned to do this trip a few years back. What happened?

A: Yes, I was invited to go to Nkosi's Haven three years ago but my plans changed when I was rear-ended in a car accident by a young man talking on his cell phone. Some days I am still in a lot of pain due to that car accident, but I refuse to let that stop me from doing what I know God wants me to do.

Q: Will you be taking your daughter to Nkosi's Haven?

A: I am making plans to take my 23-year-old daughter with me. I know that this will be a life-changing experience for her. My twin sister is also planning to go.

Q: What is your No. 1 goal for the trip?

A: My No. 1 goal for returning to South Africa is to bring awareness to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which is ravaging not only through sub-Saharan Africa but also here at home in the United States, including right here in Charleston. The reality is that HIV/AIDS is still a taboo issue to talk about. But not talking about it isn't going to make it go away.

Q: In addition to teaching business at Webster University, you are the executive director of The Royal Foundation. Tell us a little about the nonprofit.

A: Our mission is to be a one-stop center for empowerment and hope for low-income and underserved individuals and families in the tri-county area. Some of our programs include GED/literacy, computer classes, entrepreneurship classes, prison ministry, financial literacy classes, college prep classes, breast cancer screenings and after-school tutoring.

Q: What other courses have you taught and where?

A: I have had the opportunity to teach social justice and diversity courses as well as women's studies courses at the University of Massachusetts. I have also taught business marketing at Voorhees College and grant-writing courses at Trident Technical College. Also, for seven years I taught women and gender studies at the College of Charleston and I have also taught Sunday school.

Q: What do you like about teaching?

A: What I most enjoy about teaching is "planting seeds" in the minds of students, regardless of their age, so that they can become empowered thinkers and learn how to "unleash" and use their own critical thinking skills to address global problems such as poverty, health care, discrimination, domestic violence and other issues. When one suffers, we all suffer.

Q: What made you decide to become a certified yoga instructor?

A: Yoga is a powerful way to strengthen your mind, body and your soul, while also relieving unnecessary stress through meditation and relaxation. Having the opportunity to pass these skills and information on to others is simply a divine gift.

Q: What accomplishment are you proudest of?

A: The accomplishment I am most proud of is being a true child of God. This has allowed me to raise a "beautiful" daughter and to give back to my community. My new book, "The Living By Faith Cookbook: Recipes for Living, Recipes for Cooking, and Recipes for Life," is a reflection of what God has done in my life.

Q: What's the best part about being Lisa Robinson?

A: Letting God direct my path so that I can continue to use my "spiritual" energy to reach out and help others who may be less fortunate.

-Kristen Hankla