The 16th International Aids Conference came to an end on August 17th after four solid days of captivating sessions, cultural shows and much-needed dialogue. This last day reminded me very much of the first day of the session; the conference centre was filled with people, only this time, we were all saying bye to each other as we enjoyed our last sessions and meetings. For many of us, this day allowed all of us to reflect back to the official opening of the conference and ask ourselves; what has the conference delivered?
Undeniably, the conference set a solid ground for activists and organizations to engage in HIV/AIDS, especially concerning Africa, to exchange experiences and take away lessons to improve interventions in their respective countries. Personally, this conference was an eye-opener for me in many respects. I have resolved to commit myself to AIDS work in many ways such as, staying informed about the progress of HIV/AIDS, especially in Africa, and the pandemic’s impact on youth and orphans. Although I cannot speak on the behalf of all delegates, I believe that when we meet in Mexico for the 17th International AIDS Conference in 2008, the situation of HIV/AIDS will have improved, especially in the AIDS-ravaged continent of Africa.
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"Khairoon Abbas with a Right to Play representative " |
I spent my last day at Yonge-Dundas Square in the heart of Toronto, as I attended an event hosted by Right to Play; an athlete-driven international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play as a tool for promoting the development of children and youth in the most disadvantaged areas of the world. This organization works in various countries including, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Mozambique among the many African nations it covers. They hosted an educational demonstration that guided children, guests and delegates through a number of games they use in the field to bring across messages about HIV/AIDS prevention. |
Cheerful Right to Play staff wearing their bright yellow t-shirts welcomed delegates and guests to the event under the hot sun of Toronto. All of us sat close to the state, observing the different kinds of games the team uses in the field in many developing countries as a channel to communicate HIV/AIDS education and messages. This was an exciting experience because these games were made to make learning about HIV/AIDS fun for the children and youth. I testify to this and would even say that these games are fun for people of all ages. Different games were showcased, all with the same underlying theme of HIV/AIDS. Here is a snapshot of what goes on in the field!
The first game, “mingle-mingle-mingle,” as they casually call it, taught all of us about the ABCs, the three ways of preventing HIV/AIDS. When the game leader said ‘A,’ players shook their hands. This gesture means Abstain! Abstain from sex! When the game leader said ‘B,’ each player found a partner and held them tight, in a loving manner, with their arms linked together. Can you guess what this gesture means? It means Be Faithful! Be faithful to the partner you are with to prevent HIV/AIDS! And lastly, when ‘C’ was called out, the players imitated putting condoms on each other; Use Condoms is the clear message of this part of the game! In such a fun and interactive manner, we all learnt the ABCs of HIV/AIDS prevention!
The game “Don’t Trust Your Eyes” was the best of them all, in my opinion. It really taught me not to trust my eyes, when it comes to HIV/AIDS. Two teams lined up shoulder-to-shoulder facing each other. The first team passed a small object among themselves behind their backs as the second team clapped and counted to 30. Once they reached 30, the first team stopped passing the object; now it was time to guess who exactly had the object. The second team only had three chances to guess which player on the first team had the object. There is normally a lot of guessing about who has the ball. There is uncertainty and in most times, no one knows who has the ball. Clearly, the object here symbolizes HIV. This game teaches us all that anyone can have HIV/AIDS and it is very difficult to tell who has it. We must therefore all protect ourselves from HIV/AIDS (using the ABCs of prevention) because we do not know who has the virus.
This afternoon with Right To Play demonstrated just how powerful their games are; they generate intense discussions which in turn enable audiences and players to internalize the HIV/AIDS messages. The games allow children and the youth to understand such critical issues concerning HIV/AIDS in a relaxed and enjoyable manner. Each game led to a discussion of HIV/AIDS and prevention, clearly showing the importance of these games on the field. These games show that there are no barriers when it comes to spreading messages, especially about health.
The games were showcased by a small group of young people; I cannot imagine how much fun it is when you are actually in a field of many children who are all eager to learn and have fun! Undoubtedly, sport and play make a difference in young people’s lives. In places where access to information on HIV/AIDS is scarce, particularly through the mass media, such sport can go a long way in reaching the children and youth in schools, urban and especially in remote areas.
For more information about Right to Play, please visit: www.righttoplay.com
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