(ANS – Salem) – Yesterday, 1 December 2014, was World Aids Day. Karuna, a BOVA volunteers from UK, aged 19 years, spent nine months between 2013 and 2014 volunteering , working with boys affected by this disease in Salem, in the Tiruchy Province in India. Below she shares some of her reflections from that time.

Before I did my overseas voluntary work in India in the rural area of Salem, Tamilnadu, I admit that I was very ignorant in knowing what AIDS actually is, and how it is passed on. But I was also very curious to learn more about AIDS and how people living with the condition go about their day to day lives. I had only ever heard the negative stigma and stereotypes that come with it - such as the only people who could have it were people in developing countries and homosexuals, which I learnt through the stories from our mass media. 

The community in Salem was astoundingly beautiful, tranquil and rich in agriculture. The fathers and brothers were caring, cheerful and kind. The aim of the community was to instil positivity, hope and courage in those living with HIV/AIDS, and to help with building their lives outside the care home, by enabling them to find employment, find a home or pursue a college degree. Activities varied from sports day, dance/acting competitions and creative workshops to engaging in agricultural work and lots of games! 

What I learnt most about HIV/AIDS from my time in the community in Salem, was not only the physical side of AIDS, but also the mental and emotional side. I learnt just how a positive attitude can change someone's perception of life, and the way they live. To instil a positive attitude is vital for children living with AIDS because they face a number of hospital visits, bouts of sickness, and also the stigma that comes with this disease. The families are affected too, in a way that they wouldn't want to be near the children in case they would "catch it". This stems from a lack of knowledge and understanding about the disease, which then leads to abandonment and neglect. This leaves the children feeling confused, vulnerable, and with low self-esteem. Therefore positive vibes and words of encouragement and hope are vital for the children living with HIV/AIDS and suffering mentally, emotionally or physically.

It was eye opening just how much I learnt from my time at the Don Bosco Care Home. I now understand what AIDS is and how it can affect children and families, and the negative stigma is long gone, for me. But I feel what we can do to help address the issues, would be to eliminate the negative stigma and raise awareness and educate people on the effect AIDS can have.

Published 02/12/2014