A school in the
rural area of Gottenburg in Bushbuckridge is taking a stand against
HIV/AIDS. On Friday, 3 June 2016, Manyeleti Primary School observed a
Candlelight Memorial Day to remember those who lost their lives to
HIV/AIDS and also to honour and show love to those who are living with
the virus. The event took place at the school premises during the
morning assembly session.
“Although we were supposed to have held this event last week, we want to sensitise all learners about this deadly disease today. We want them to grow up knowing that HIV/AIDS is real, but it is not the end of the world to be living with it. Our main objective is also to remove the stigma that comes with this disease. We want to see an end to discrimination against HIV-positive people,” said Constance Mkhabela, the school principal.
The event saw all learners wearing red ribbons to show solidarity to the day. A committee of learners that is responsible for this subject also raised its voice through the presentation of banners with the red-ribbon image.
“We observe this day to create awareness and also teach learners that although HIV/AIDS is a deadly disease, we should continue to embrace those who are living with it. After the session, the children had learned that they could share books, pens and food with those living with the disease without having to worry about anything unless there is blood involved,” said Johannes Khoza, a teacher at the school.
The school says there are learners who have been identified as those who need help because they have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. These learners are provided with school uniforms from different donors and also food to ensure that their schooling is never disturbed.
“We want to instil hope because we have learners who have since became orphans due to HIV/AIDS. As educators, our role is to make them feel welcome and valuable. They will grow up knowing that there is a deadly disease that they need to protect themselves from. The younger they are, the quicker they learn and that is why we opt to teach them now,” said Sainah Mokone, a teacher at the school.
The school says they want to stretch the campaign to communities so that other people, particularly parents, can come out about this disease.
“We want to change lives. Working together we can win this battle. It is in our hands,” concluded Victoria Sibuyi, an admin clerk at the school.
The event ended with a prayer and a pledge by the learners that they will not discriminate against those living with the virus.
“Although we were supposed to have held this event last week, we want to sensitise all learners about this deadly disease today. We want them to grow up knowing that HIV/AIDS is real, but it is not the end of the world to be living with it. Our main objective is also to remove the stigma that comes with this disease. We want to see an end to discrimination against HIV-positive people,” said Constance Mkhabela, the school principal.
The event saw all learners wearing red ribbons to show solidarity to the day. A committee of learners that is responsible for this subject also raised its voice through the presentation of banners with the red-ribbon image.
“We observe this day to create awareness and also teach learners that although HIV/AIDS is a deadly disease, we should continue to embrace those who are living with it. After the session, the children had learned that they could share books, pens and food with those living with the disease without having to worry about anything unless there is blood involved,” said Johannes Khoza, a teacher at the school.
The school says there are learners who have been identified as those who need help because they have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. These learners are provided with school uniforms from different donors and also food to ensure that their schooling is never disturbed.
“We want to instil hope because we have learners who have since became orphans due to HIV/AIDS. As educators, our role is to make them feel welcome and valuable. They will grow up knowing that there is a deadly disease that they need to protect themselves from. The younger they are, the quicker they learn and that is why we opt to teach them now,” said Sainah Mokone, a teacher at the school.
The school says they want to stretch the campaign to communities so that other people, particularly parents, can come out about this disease.
“We want to change lives. Working together we can win this battle. It is in our hands,” concluded Victoria Sibuyi, an admin clerk at the school.
The event ended with a prayer and a pledge by the learners that they will not discriminate against those living with the virus.
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