US Aid Groups Organize HIV/AIDS Camps in Africa
July 30, 2011
Children at AIDS camps in Rwanda are encouraged to draw a tree of hope with their life goals (file photo)
Children from the Soweto area of South Africa splash around in a swimming pool during a camp organized by the U.S.-based nonprofit Global Camps Africa.
In addition to activities like sports, dancing and arts and crafts, there are also classes for hygiene, nutrition and HIV/AIDS awareness.
In a message posted on the group's website, Mbali Nkwanyana explains the importance and effectiveness of this approach.
"I would not like these kids to have all the wrong information that I got growing up," Nkwanyana said. "So somehow I feel that it is my responsibility to give these kids knowledge. Knowledge is power. That is the only way that they can have a brighter future is that if they are equipped with knowledge."
The British based group AVERT says most children living with HIV/AIDS, almost nine in 10, live in sub-Saharan Africa. In the 15 to 19 age group in South Africa, the latest figures from 2009 indicate more than 13 percent were infected with HIV.
In Rwanda, where more than 170,000 people are estimated to be living with the disease, the U.S.-based group CHF International is also organizing a series of camps for AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children.
With help from local organizations and Peace Corps volunteers, camp participants get tested for HIV, receive health education and also work on a personal plan for their future.
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