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R.E.A.C.H
Now 2008
Save
Lanka Kids brings together youth from all over Sri Lanka
to fight against HIV and AIDS
Save
Lanka Kids, a youth based organization is working on
creating awareness amongst the youth on HIV and AIDS,
is taking the initiative to bring together the YOUTH
OF SRI LANKA in order to battle against the epidemic.
To achieve this objective, they have organized a 3 day
conference titled “R.E.A.C.H. Now ‘08 –
(Rise for Equality and Act for Change and Hope)”,
which will take place from the 19th - 21st of October
at the Water’s Edge, Capital City.
HIV and AIDS is a global epidemic that has destroyed
the lives of millions of people and has become the 4th
leading cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that
Sri Lanka has over 3000 people infected with HIV but
the reality is possibly much worse. Young people aged
15-24 account for 40% of new infections, and like most
people living with HIV; they are unaware that they are
infected. Since there is currently no cure in existence,
education and prevention are the most effective ways
to stop the spread of HIV.
However creating awareness, encouraging and assisting
the different strata’s of society to work against
combating HIV and AIDS is a task that cannot be managed
by any individual organization or individual alone.
Therefore it is the responsibility for all stakeholders
to come together and build an effective national response
in order to reduce the devastating impact of this epidemic.
Commenting on this initiative, Prabu Deepan of Save
Lanka Kids said, “Youth play a very important role
in steering positive change in any area; however they
may not be equipped with the knowledge, tools and skills
required to affect such a change. At ‘R.E.A.C.H.
Now ‘08 we will empower the youth to express their
opinions and experiences as well as develop a supportive
youth network to prevent HIV and AIDS.”
It is noteworthy to mention that this is the first conference
to be organized on a national basis. ‘R.E.A.C.H.
Now ‘08 will help individuals and organizations
already involved, and also those who are keen on joining
the fight against HIV and AIDS to identify common issues
faced by our youth and the various difficulties faced
in implementing programs and policies. It will also
help to recognize the various other aspects of this
national issue which have received inadequate attention
so far. This conference will grant an opportunity to
compile a supportive network amongst those who are willing
to rise up to act for change and hope in the fight against
HIV and AIDS.
Save Lanka Kids encourage all youth between the age
of 16-30 to participate in this conference and attend
all sessions and workshops as well as volunteer to assist
in the organization and implementation of the event.
For registrations and more details, please visit the
conference website www.reachnow08.com, or email us at
reachnow@live.com. You can also contact us for registrations
on 2513865 or speak to Suren on 0716619224.
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