Thousands of Vietnamese Children to Take Action on HIV/AIDS
Thousands of children from Vietnam will join millions of others around the world for the ''Lesson for Life'' on World AIDS Day
Thousands of children from Vietnam will join millions of others around the world for the “Lesson for Life” on World AIDS Day, learning about HIV/AIDS prevention and advocating for more support for children and young people affected by the disease.
Providing a platform for children directly affected by HIV/AIDS to share their experiences and concerns, the Lesson for Life is organized by the Global Movement for Children (GMC), the world-wide movement of organizations and people, including children, uniting efforts to build a world fit for children.
According to World Vision—one of the participating organizations—Lesson for Life is “an event that is designed not only to educate children about protecting themselves from the disease but also to spur children, communities and governments to take action for children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS.”
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In collaboration with Oxfam Great Britain, Plan in Vietnam, Save the Children UK, World Vision has worked to organize a wide range of activities at schools and public places in 21 provinces throughout the country. World Vision reported that the activities, to be carried out around World Aids Day on Dec. 1 2004, would have particular focus on the effect of HIV/AIDS on girls—who, according to World Vision, are hit hardest by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
As part of the Lesson for Life children, young people, youth groups and schools will use discussions, plays, drama, and writing to learn about HIV/AIDS and take action for affected children. In all, tens of thousands of schools and other venues in more than 50 countries will participate in the event, mobilizing children and their communities to work together to change the destiny of children affected by HIV and AIDS.
At the national level, children from the Hanoi Young Media Club will interview high-ranking politicians about the effect of HIV/AIDS on children, at an event in Hanoi to be broadcast on national TV on World AIDS Day. Children affected by HIV and AIDS will also speak at the event.
“In both formal and non-formal education settings, Lesson for Life gives children a leading role in teaching others the facts about HIV/AIDS, and in taking action on HIV/AIDS in their communities,” World Vision reported.
According to World Vision, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is hitting the world’s children and young people, undermining their rights and well-being. Almost three million children worldwide are infected with the HIV virus or are living with AIDS, while 14 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. By 2010, the number of children orphaned by AIDS is expected to exceed 25 million.
