African Youth outreach :Nelson Mandela Foundation

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Last Updated on Sunday, 29 May 2011 17:29 Thursday, 26 May 2011 23:00

Written by Nelson mandela

Nelson Mandela once remarked, "HIV/AIDS is a human rights issue" at a benefit concert. Highlighting the humanity that suffers behind the progression of AIDS is by no means an easy task, but an important one. In South Africa the prevalence of HIV among the population ranges from 20 to 33%. Shocking as the statistics are, they do not speak to the unique way this disease dismantles the very core of any society. There are over 11 million AIDS orphans in Africa, and the African governments have few real plans to intervene before they share the fate of their parents.

{div width:250|height:250|float:left}{module Inside Advert|none}{/div}Education remains the anchor of any plan to halt HIV/AIDS in its march across our world. Those who are infected can learn of ways to obtain treatment and avoid transmission. Prevention teaching to at-risk groups, particularly children, can save innumerable lives. Teaching of HIV prevention also decreases the dangerous stigma associated with HIV infection. Multiple studies conducted in South Africa have shown sustained education to be effective in achieving all of these goals, at a time when the lack of education has become quite lethal. 

For these reasons, we are forming a nonprofit non-governmental organization with the aim of directing education efforts in the most stricken areas of South Africa. The primary target will be children aged 9-21, a group at very high risk of HIV infection. We will start in Ingwavuma, South Africa where there are 2,000 AIDS orphans. As our project expands, we will increase our involvement in women’s education and support networks. This is becoming increasingly important, as most new HIV infections are in women. They are particularly vulnerable do to limited education or economic power.

To make a difference in the future of the  Africans it must come from within their communities. Physicians and health educators will directly provide training to schoolteachers and youths selected to act as peer educators. These peer educators will in turn work within schools and communities. They would be seen as leaders amongst their peers and would have a strong influence in their communities.

In writing to you today, we are hoping that you would join us in our effort to empower the children of Africa and put the possibility of a future back in to their hands. The following are examples of how far your money can go towards helping those in need: $20 (U.S) will by a parcel of food for a family, $28 will buy a basic uniform and shoes for an AIDS orphan, $460 will pay one orphan workers salary for one month, $2,500 will build a three room block house for an orphan family, and $50 per month will sponsor a family with food, school uniforms, supplies and blankets. Even a dollar a month will help bring what is needed to the AIDS orphans of Ingwavuma.

In closing we leave you with the Zulu word: Umbuntu. It translates into humanity, community, and ‘largeness of spirit’. At its essence, this is what we are working to restore. For considering involvement in our organization, we thank you.