Source: CareUSA

Millions of children around the world will participate in a "Lesson for Life" on World AIDS Day as part of a massive effort to educate children about HIV/AIDS prevention and spur them, their communities and governments to accelerate action on behalf of children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS.

"Young people are at the center of the epidemic," said Miquel de Paladella of the Global Movement for Children (GMC). "They have a right to life-saving information that will help protect them from HIV/AIDS and also have a major role to play in stopping the spread of this devastating epidemic."

In both formal and non-formal education settings, the Lesson for Life gives children a leading role in teaching others the facts about HIV/AIDS, and in taking action in their communities to mitigate its impact.

Providing a platform for children directly affected by HIV/AIDS to share their experiences, concerns and ideas, the Lesson for Life has been organized by the GMC, the world-wide movement of organizations and individuals, including children, uniting efforts to build a world fit for children.

In all, tens of thousands of schools and other venues in more than 50 countries will participate in the initiative.

Children, young people, youth groups and schools will use discussions, plays, dramas, and writing to learn about HIV/AIDS and find ways to act on behalf of affected children.

Countries across every continent are involved: In Honduras, CARE, Oxfam and UNICEF will work with partners to involve mothers and children, religious leaders and nearly 2,000 institutions, including schools, churches and colleges in the Lesson for Life. In Ukraine, the Ukraine National Network for Children and the Ministry of Family, Children and Youth Affairs will join forces with a quarter of a million children in Lesson for Life activities. And in Africa, hundreds of thousands of children will take part in Lesson for Life activities.

HIV/AIDS is hitting the world's children and young people — particularly girls — hardest, undermining their rights and wellbeing.

Millions are growing up without parents or in households with sick and dying family members, with little or no access to education and health services, and without minimum nutrition.

More than half of all new HIV infections are in people under the age of 25. For girls this situation is exacerbated by factors such as trafficking, forced prostitution, incest, rape, female circumcision and early marriage — all of which put girls at greater risk of contracting HIV.

As part of the 2004 World AIDS Campaign on Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS, the Lesson for Life focuses on children — particularly girls — exploring important issues such as the difference between HIV and AIDS, high risk activities, factors influencing infection rates such as sexual violence and global trends.

Children affected by HIV/AIDS are part of the solution to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and, with their families and communities, can play a vital role in responding to its impact. Where HIV transmission has been reduced, the greatest reductions have been among young people.

As well as community initiatives, massive high-level action is critical in closing the colossal gap between what has been done, and what needs to be done to protect children affected by HIV/AIDS.

The lesson will therefore involve local leaders and other government officials in the children's activities with a view to enlisting their support and reinforcing the urgent need for increased intervention by governments and the international community in addressing the crisis.