The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer
jgibson@tribunemedia.net

As the Bahamas continues its fight against HIV/AIDS, a local organisation is doing its part to help fulfil the goal of the World AIDS Day campaign: “Getting To Zero”. For this reason the AIDS Foundation of the Bahamas launched its book project “Combating HIV/AIDS Through A Culture of Reading”. Yearly, thousands of dollars are allocated to fund the project, which involves the dissemination of books to every school on the island.

The AIDS Foundation selects a grade level every year to introduce HIV related books. All fourth grade students were the target of last year’s project, while books filled with information about the disease were introduced to seventh grade students this time around.

Books purchased and distributed are age and grade level appropriate, said Camille Barnett, president of the foundation. Copies of “Positively” by Courtney Sheinmel were donated to seventh grade classes throughout the Bahamas.
 “The foundation wanted to sensitise and educate children about HIV/AIDS. We wanted to dispel myths, provide accurate information, reduce stigma against persons especially other children who are HIV positive and just make children aware of HIV and AIDS. All of this is done at the level that the children can understand. The story books tell a story with a positive uplifting message,” said Ms Barnett.

“The project started in the primary schools and that is really our focus but we decided to just target grade sevens this year. But the foundation feels that education is the key to fighting HIV and AIDS and reducing stigma and discrimination. The information about HIV/AIDS varies in the books depending on the level of the students. It is all age related geared to educating the students at their own level,”
she said.

The project includes school visits, where group readings are conducted. The entire book is read or just a portion depending on its length. The foundation also encouraged Family Island schools to invite guest readers.
Along with guest readers health educators were also present at schools to answer questions on HIV/AIDS.

“In past years we have had the Minister of Education, the Minister of Health, the Chief Justice, the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health, nurses, educators, entertainers, staff of the United States Embassy, and persons from private corporations who have volunteered to read.”

The AIDS Foundation is also seeking resources to maintain its outreach programme. The after school programme started two years ago to assist adolescents who were not taking their medication on time. Mrs Barnett said this resulted in the deterioration of their health.

Forty students are registered in the programme which helps students develop positive self and body images. There is also an academic component to the programme, where students are assisted with homework and other assignments.
Other activities that will be hosted for the remainder of the month and next year to bring awareness include HIV testing events, efforts to distribute red ribbons, condoms and flyers, and appearances on radio and television shows.