Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Creating AIDS awareness
“The stubborn silence heralds victory for the disease. Denial cannot keep the virus at bay.” “Since lectures and seminars don’t really appeal to the youth, we decided to mix fun with education.” Keeping to their plan the organisers of the “AIDS Awareness Campaign” have worked out an educational exhibition cum funfair.

Organised by the Interact Clubs of St. Bridget’s Convent and St. Peter’s College, together with the Rotary Clubs of Colombo, Colombo South and Colombo East, the event will be held on February 29, at the Henry Pedris Stadium.

The aim of this project is to educate Sri Lankan youth on the existing social diseases that may affect them. Ignorance is one of the main factors that contribute to the spread of these diseases, thus the youth in particular, need to be taught how to safeguard themselves from getting infected. There is also the social stigma, associated with such diseases that prevents people from admitting their condition and seeking treatment. By creating awareness among people, the organisers hope to eradicate this kind of attitude.

Commencing at 9.30 a.m. from the Henry Pedris Stadium, the walk is expected to go on till 11 a.m. Participants of the walk are requested to bring placards, posters and any other device they feel would help promote the cause. As a reward for such active participation, awards will be given to the club with the most attractive and creative placard carried during the walk and the club with the most number of participants.

The walk will end back at the Henry Pedris Stadium, where the rest of the days programme will continue till 5 p.m. The main feature of the educational exhibition will be the stalls on different Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Sri Lanka. Run by the various clubs; these stalls will present information on the transmission, cure and prevention of the disease.

The challenge is to present this information in the most innovative, creative and informative manner. Efforts of course will not be in vain as an award will be given to the club with the most innovative and informative stall. Certificates of participation will also be given out to the clubs. Along with the educational stall each club is permitted to carry out a game stall, bringing the fun aspect into the picture. The main AIDS stall will be designed and decorated by the Interactors of St. Bridget’s Convent and St. Peter’s College, who will also distribute leaflets on Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

As promised the non-stop entertainment begins with the “papara band” that will accompany the walk. At Pedris Stadium the DJ will take over until it is time for the two live bands to kick in. There’s also a guest performance by a talented Interactor. Among the stalls of course will be the much-appreciated food outlets.

UNICEF, who has pledged their support for this project, which will have a positive impact on the youth, will sponsor The AIDS Awareness Campaign and Sun FM will be the media sponsor.

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