It was startling to see how oblivions many students were of the fact that yesterday was World AIDS day.  Barely any mention was made of the fact that it was World AIDS Day; a shocker to me who was used to a big info fair, or something to that extent. It was almost one-man (actually one-woman) show as I tried to change that.

With the help of my friends, I tried to inform as many people as possible, and tried to get some sort of a ‘vibe’ raised with regard to the occasion. We also sold ribbons to assist the individuals who were tested and diagnosed HIV + by the clinic I work with.

On giving out information, I came across a number of individuals, with varying views and diverse knowledge. I was a bit shocked to hear some of the comments coming from the college students… what shook me up even more was remembering that come of these individuals would be teaching my children soon.

Here, I’ll write some of the responses I got, and a little information about the individuals (they have been converted from Jamaican Creole to Standard English for easier reading).

• - “I’m not supporting them. They’re going to die anyway, so why waste my money on them?” – 17yrs, (f) prospective Teacher 
   

• - “It’s their fault they have it. Who told them to go have sex with the person who gave them? Not me. So I don’t have to give them anything” – 19yrs, (f) prospective Business manager
  
  

• - “They say I can get it if I hug them… I’ll buy the ribbon, but don’t let me have to go near them.” – 17yrs, (m)
  
  

• - “I’m afraid to hear about AIDS and those things. Please don’t ask me. I don’t even want the flyer.” 16yrs (m), future entrepreneur
  
  

It felt really good knowing that at the end of the day, all those persons, among others, were a bit more informed, because as we encountered people like that, we got a chance to correct all those misunderstandings, and got them to see PLWHA in a new light. Yesterday was a great day for me. The only thing that still bothers me is that I know there are still people in the school who hold views like those did; students who are future managers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, hoteliers, and a host of others. It’s just up to us to try and continue to inform them, with the hope that when we do, we would have made a difference in the lives of others.

It’s up to us to help reduce the stigma and discrimination attached to PLWHA. And as a group, let’s make it our duty this week to inform as many people as possible, and in doing, change the world.