World AIDS Day rally: Abstain from sex, concentrate on school work

World AIDS Day rally: Abstain from sex, concentrate on school work — Region Three Chairman

Dec 02, 2008 News

The schoolchildren marching to the Uitvlugt Estate Ground in commemoration of World AIDS Day.

In observance of World AIDS Day, approximately 200 students and teachers from 16 schools on the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara yesterday staged a march from the Leonora Square to the Uitvlugt Estate Community Development Centre Ground for a youth rally.

The rally, which was intended to promote HIV/AIDS awareness among schoolchildren, saw participation from a number of schools, primary and secondary, public and private, and was filled with cries of “Keep the promise, stop AIDS,” as the schoolchildren made their way to the facility at Uitvlugt.

Many of the schools were led by banners, and some of the children wore sashes, all encouraging healthy practices.

The rally featured songs, poems and dances performed by schoolchildren. All of the performances had a message, and promoted and encouraged people to live a healthy lifestyle.

Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Three, Dr Millicent Benjamin, encouraged the pupils gathered at the rally to join in the fight against the AIDS epidemic. She said that she was encouraged by the large turnout, which is a clear indication that persons are enthusiastic in the fight against the virus.

Dr Benjamin said that including young people in the fight against AIDS was essential, and stressed that winning the fight was impossible if youth were not actively involved.

Regional Chairman Julius Faerber (left), Minister within the Ministry of Education, Dr Desrey Fox (centre), and Regional Health Officer Dr Millicent Benjamin watch as the children march into the Uitvlugt Ground.

Region Three Chairman Julius Faerber stressed the need for people, especially children, to abstain from sex. He advised the youth gathered to channel all of their energies into their schoolwork.

He said that if they begin to have sex at a young age, it would only lead to such things as pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases that could complicate their childhood. “Promise yourselves that you will put your education first,” Faerber encouraged the schoolchildren.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Dr Desrey Fox, who was also at the rally, said that she supported Faerber’s views. She pointed out that, all across the world, persons were also gathered at similar observances for World AIDS Day.

The Minister said that one of the biggest problems concerning the AIDS epidemic was stigma. She noted that AIDS affects every ethnicity, age group and nationality, and as such there should be no segregation and no discrimination against persons living with AIDS.

The minister made special note that the education system was striving to be all-inclusive. By this, she said, it was meant that no one, regardless of race, financial background, disability or sickness, should be left behind within the school system.

Dr Fox also took the opportunity to encourage the children to live healthier lifestyles, and she said this was not exclusive to abstinence. The minister said things like good diet and regular exercise were also very important.

The minister said that one of the easiest ways out of poverty was through education. “Now is the time in your life when you need to be serious; stay in school, and be serious about your schoolwork,” she said.