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The AIDS virus, which has been on the prowl  since
the early 80s has haunted more than a staggering 3.5 millon
people in India alone and numbers infected with the HIV virus
are soon reaching astronomical figures.
This dark cloud, however, has no silver lining - no cure
has been found for AIDS till date. AIDS cannot be cured by
popping a pill or drinking a bitter tonic. Prevention is the
only cure for the deadly stalker that leaves imminent dealth
in its wake.
The disease itself knows no barriers, transcending all ages,
social and economic communities. It becomes more important
therefore that enough is known about AIDS so as to nip this
problem in the bud.
 The
most effected age group being between 15-25 years, three youth
organizations - (JAAM, ROTARACT Cantoment North,VISIONS Bangalore)
have come together to spread the message of AIDS and its prevention.
St. Joseph's College Bangalore, started JSSM (St.Joseph's
AIDS Awareness Movement ) with the guidance of Mrs. Barbara
Naidu (Department of English),George Castline and Benjamin
in August 1994. Since then, JAAM's awareness programmes are
usually in the form of Presentions within the college and
also to other schools and colleges like Bishop Cotton Girls
High School and Cathedral High School among others. They have
sold handicrafts made by Freedom Foundation - a rehabilitation
centre. JAAM's goal is to dispel the fears and to help one
believe that they can lead their lives meaningfully without
contracting HIV.
 ROTARACT
Cantonment North, one of the most prestigious clubs of Rotary
International District 3190 consists of committed and dedicated
individuals from various fields. Into its fourteenth year
of operation, the club has achieved considerabe prominence,
prizes and recognition in the community which it has to strive
to serve through innovative projects of considerable impact.
VISIONS Bangalore (VB) is a non-profit student organization
dedicated to overall betterment of the community. Established
in 1995, along the guidelines of VISIONS World Wide, VB has
been working for AIDS in and around Bangalore since then.
Members of VISIONS conduct weekly visits to the Bowring Hospital
to assist HIV/AIDS patients and lead them to organizations
where they can avail of counseling. Street plays are one of
their gratest media of communication in the spreading of awareness.
Street plays arte conducted regularly in high risk areas,
rural areas and slums. Presentations conducted in schools
and colleges by VB members provide necessary information packages
with games and skits for the youth. VB works in tandem with
various organizations.
PRAYAAS, is an attempt by JAAM, ROTARACT, Cantonment -North
and VISIONS Bangalore on the occassion of World AIDS Day on
the 1st of December, they conducted a three day mass awareness
programme encompassing street plays and presentation in urban
and rural areas in and around Bangalore. It is a giant step
by the youth to prevent the miasma that is AIDS.
For further details on volunteering and sponsorship, please
contact.
Visionsbangalore@yahoo.com
shubu_s@rediffmail.com
Maneesha -2349 6272
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