June 30 - Four trains, two planes and a conference

After travelling for the last full day, Denise and Jesse finally arrived at the Indian AIESEC conference in Agra. AIESEC is a ‘for youth by youth’ international NGO that seeks to develop the personal and professional capacity of its members through internships different chapters organize amongst themselves.

Our session was set to start at 6:30 and address the global context of HIV and AIDS; however, like many things on the mission, the presentation ran a little long and certain issues had to be left out. Nevertheless, the presenters achieved their main goals: educating about HIV and AIDS, promoting discussion amongst the conference goers about the issue, and making sure everyone had fun.

Memorable highlights from the conference include, a debate about when, where and how sex and HIV education should be taught to youth, Jesse trying to explaining the logistics of fisting and golden showers to participants, and discussion with participants afterwards who were interested in resource trading and partnership forming.

To complement the high of their good presentation, the group was asked to do two more workshops at universities in Delhi—logistics to be determined. With the workshop done, the duo had enough time to partake in an unforgettable choreographed AIESEC dance party before taking a red-eye cab ride back to the airport to eventually meet up with the group at READ.

June 30 - Flying the HUT to learn how to READ

Today Team India officially works in two regions: right about now Jesse and Denise should be in Agra, and Melissa, Shamin and Sasha continue their work with HUT in Perambalur. HUT generously gathered about thirty HIV affected and infected youth for a traditional welcome, complete with the lighting of a Holy Lamp, which was proceeded by a CAIDSHP workshop.

The children to whom they presented their workshop were of varying ages, and even the younger kids were up to date with their HIV education. Team India specified in arts and sports for much of the day, but found communication barriers the toughest in the trip so far. This workshop also proved cumbersome when it came to distribution of CAIDSHP materials, which the team hopes to unload before the end of the Mission.

After distributing some First Aid Kits to HUT, Melissa, Shamin and Sasha were off to the READ Center, which works with members of the community who are mentally or physically impaired, or who are directly affected by HIV/AIDS. Surrounding village children came to greet the team and participated in a grand tour of the new training center, which is still under construction. Tomorrow these same children will join them in a community workshop on HIV.

 






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