Build a Positive Mindset - World AIDS Day with Children affected by AIDS


“I still cannot believe, but I have done it. I was able to share my status boldly among my friends and the care takers. I feel proud that I have done it, it was because of the encouragement, I got  from my leaders whose personal sharing in one of the support group has helped me to do it and also be responsible with my treatment” - expressed 10th standard orphan boy living chronic illness

It was  a wonderful moment for more than 40 young adolescents and their care takers (totalling to 80 participants) on December 3rd 2016 at the Government Hospital, Salem  to commemorate the World AIDS day with the theme "Build a Positive Mindset". This has been the first time, where the children and young people have been focussed and also played an important role  in the world AIDS day event. The  unique feature is that, the programme was co-ordinated by the young people  from the neighbouring district (Namakkal district) who have also battled the virus and living a life positively.

The programme was focussed in building the confidence in mind and started with the traditional welcome song, a brief understanding of world AIDS day and a commitment by the medical team, care takers and children in building a positive mindset. The candle was lighted by the hopsital dean in charge Dr. Rajasekaran and Dr.Arunachalam, Chief medical officer, Salem ART Centre who both gave wonderful speech in encouraging the young children and their care takers to look at lives more positively and emphasised that the foundation is being bold at heart to face the challenges.

The programme then continued with the children presenting their skit, life experiences and cultural events. A brief presentation was made on the activities of Buds of Christ at the Salem ART centre by Mr. Jeyapaul, Director of Buds of Christ and ended with all the children and care takers making a commitment to have a positive mindset about their lives.

The feedback :
“I have attended many programmes, but I felt here that we were all part of a big family” – expressed an adolescent orphan girl living with chronic ill condition

“I could not believe my child would perform so well  and this has been the first time in his life ,he has been on stage (14 years old) and I am happy he has been able to do it and also find friends here“ - a widow mother seeing her 14 year old child perform



“I was hesitant to come, because I discontinued my class this year ,as I met with an accident and had to be away from school for more than 2 months. I thought of not continuing my studies, but after coming to this programme, I have now got the confidence to go back to school next year and also will have a firm and a positive mindset” - expressed an 16 year old adolescent boy living with chronic ill health



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