FXB India Suraksha Activities for World AIDS Orphans Day

Two key strategies in this effort involve the use of edutainment to spur children's participation, as well as the involvement of adults who play key roles in the lives of those children. For instance, as part of the 2007 celebration, a cultural concert involving song, dance, drama, and a planetarium show was held in Kolkata in honour of the day. Twenty children infected/affected by HIV/AIDS and/or orphans from various districts of West Bengal and neighbouring states participated; discussions on issues that AIDS orphans face, and the rights of these orphans, were conducted by the Minister of Parliament (MP). Actors and non-governmental organisation (NGO) heads also took part. Later, the children took part in lighting the candles that they had shaped in the form of an AIDS ribbon, and presented the chorus song "We Shall Overcome". The audience (NGO representatives, schoolmates, teachers, and the general public) sang along with them. The Mayor of Kolkata then officially proclaimed May 7 as World AIDS Orphans' Day (WAOD), and, according to FXB India, almost all the ministers from West Bengal had sent along messages of support. Fifty educators from 10 different slums in Ranchi and outskirts, along with others, joined in a candlelight solidarity march with the FXB Jharkhand team. As part of the 2008 events, a puppet show and magic show highlighted in an entertaining and colourful way the plight of AIDS-affected children and the role of society in making a better place for them.

Printed materials and the mass media are integrated into many of these events. For example, in 2007 large banners and information kiosks complemented an event in Dilli Haat during which the FXB Delhi team commemorated WAOD with children and agencies working on child issues in Delhi through a candlelight vigil. Again, prominent personnel were involved; Mr. Mayank Agrawa, Joint Director, [information, education and communication] IEC of the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) attended the event as a chief guest of the campaign. The event began with a street play performed by the children. More than 300 people enjoyed the performance of the children. Mr. Agrawal inaugurated the message board that was placed there, inviting all of those gathered there to write and express their thoughts and ideas on AIDS orphans issues. On the same day, a 15-minute programme highlighting various issues of children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS was aired by All India Radio (AIR). To cite another example, a candlelight march and cultural activity in Chattisgarh featured the participation of many, including media personnel who became involved in the event itself, and then gave coverage to through radio, television, and print media channels.

As indicated in the above illustrations, the participation of children actually affected by HIV/AIDS is central to this initiative. In 2007, FXB organised a city tour for affected and infected children in Jaipur; 22 HIV affected or infected children/AIDS orphans, 25 other orphans, and 20 street children rode along in a double-decker bus that was decorated with banners and posters. The children were carrying handouts and banners with prevention messages. The children were provided with education about AIDS while also learning about tourist highlights in the city from the tour guide of the bus. They were also entertained by a team of local artists along the route: 5 street plays were performed that featured children's participation. The rally was inaugurated by one HIV infected AIDS double orphan, and 12 HIV-positive women/mothers attended, with their affected children. Prominent medical personnel attended, and a cultural programme was organised at a local hospital. There was live media coverage of this event.

Children, students, NGO representatives, and government officials made up more than 700 people who gathered in High field at Aizawl to release hundreds of balloons with the message "Let the burdens of the HIV infected and affected children be relieved" to mark WAOD.

The strategy of involving children through the dissemination of awards also characterises the yearly effort. For example, at a "friendship programme" in Calicut in 2007, a drawing competition rally was designed to lure attention as part of a public meting and interactive session involving 10 orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) and 10 volunteers. Interactive sessions and games were conducted to "break the ice"; a picnic and visit to a local aquarium followed. Visual and print media reportedly gave wide coverage to the programme, which also featured a drawing competition. In collaboration with S.K. Pottekkad Cultural Centre, FXB organised a drawing competition with the theme of "AIDS orphaned childhood". Fifty children participated in the drawing competition. To cite another example, a speech, essay, and painting competition was held at a high school in Bihar; approximately 500 students participated. As part of the 2008 celebration, an intra-school essay competition was held on the topic of AIDS and children's rights for students from grades 9-12.

Religious references also play a role, as well. In 2007, at one event in Visakhapatnam district, prayer was integrated into an event that included a magic show, educational talks, and the distribution of nutritional materials and gifts for children. Speakers emphasised that children's rights are to be protected at any cost; the Honourable Mayor distributed bank pass books to, and announced sponsorship for, 12 children who are infected/affected and/or made vulnerable by AIDS.

Children, HIV/AIDS, Youth.

AFXB is an international organisation working in close collaboration with National AIDS Control Programs in 18 countries over the globe. According to FXB, by the end of 2005, over 15 million children under the age of 18 had lost one or both parents to AIDS by the end of 2005.