In Focus...Communication and Information Sector's

Communication, Information and HIV/AIDS
The battle against HIV/AIDS and its devastating impact is the area of increasing concern to the UNESCO as a whole. UNESCO's focus on preventive education represents an important niche in the worldwide campaign to arrest and reverse this scourge.
Communication and information can help to fight HIV/AIDS by changing young people's behaviour through preventive education schemes. UNESCO has undertaken a number of activities with the aim to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention among young people based on the new possibilities offered by ICT. An access to comprehensive and reliable youth-friendly information in quest of behavioral changes has been promoted. >> Read more about prevention On the other hand, journalists are gaining increased confidence in reporting on the science of HIV/AIDS and young media professionals are learning to produce better programmes as they interact positively with affected people. The focus on the science of AIDS constitutes a new departure in terms of HIV media training. >> Read more about treatment
Africa
Assistance to French speaking African countries in HIV/AIDS prevention
Meeting on AIDS Prevention in Bamako, Mali, July 2004
Europe
Youth-oriented information scheme
Latin America
Information and training scheme to improve HIV/AIDS awareness
Training in producing HIV/AIDS prevention messages
International
ICT helping to fight HIV/AIDSPrevention Young people and especially young girls are among the most affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which is becoming one of the leading causes of death among youth. In the light of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and its targets to contain the spread of the epidemic, awareness-raising campaigns directed to youth supported by non-formal education and increased access to information sources emerge as an essential preventive element and a central pre-condition for reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among youth. Unfortunately, HIV/AIDS infections are still fatal. Therefore, aggressive awareness and prevention campaigns are constantly needed. Various activities have been undertaken in the framework of the INFOYOUTH Programme, in support to the development of information networks, linking various youth groups and ensuring effective coordination and backing for its partners engaged in the anti-HIV/AIDS effort. This includes:
providing logistical and financial support for on and off-line workshops and courses,
design and implementation of coherent information and ICT training schemes adapted to regional contexts and directed to disadvantaged youth,
creation of youth info-centres,
content production, design and launching of specific web-sites on HIV/AIDS prevention,
developing info-materials and media campaigns.
Training for journalists on the use of ICT to improve reporting on HIV/AIDS
You, Me and HIV/AIDSTreatment The focus on the science of AIDS constitutes a new departure in terms of HIV media training. Often, media training in this area centres on reporting the social and medical issues of HIV/AIDS but few journalists in countries hardest hit by AIDS are trained to access and handle the latest information on scientific developments. UNESCO has piloted innovative training for journalists on the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve reporting on HIV/AIDS. The training includes the use of ICT to gather basic scientific information about HIV/AIDS, to track the most recent research developments using the scientific literature and media "alerts", to identify and contact scientists engaged in research and others who may be in a position to comment on its significance. “You, Me and HIV/AIDS” (a Global Young TV Producer’s Network on HIV/AIDS) is another project piloted by UNESCO. This project attempts to combat HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases by upgrading the knowledge and production skills of young TV producers who are currently engaged in health reporting for television in developing and least developed countries.
Other UNESCO activities on HIV/AIDS:
UNESCO’s action against HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS and education (UNESCO IIEP)
Global Curriculum Bank for HIV/AIDS Preventive Education (UNESCO IBE)
AIDS and Culture
Young Digital Creators: Youth Creating and Communicating on HIV/AIDS (Digi-Arts, UNESCO Knowledge Portal)
HIV/AIDS and Gender

When will it go out of Style......HIV/AIDS among our Youths

The global challenge HIV/AIDS is on the Global Agenda, it remains one of the forces leading to the causes of death amongst unborn child, born child, teen youths and Adults. The challenge continue to leave while people die, for every two (2) people who starts treatment there is 100% probability that additional five (5) are infected.
In Nigeria, HIV/AIDS is rampant, in the whole of the world, Nigeria is rated the 5th country, with the highest population of HIV/AIDS victims, and the first (1st) in Africa.
The HIV epidemic in Nigeria is complex and varies widely by region. In some states, the epidemic is more concentrated and driven by high-risk behaviours, while other states have more generalized epidemics that are sustained primarily by multiple sexual partnerships in the general population. Youth and young adults in Nigeria are particularly vulnerable to HIV, with young women at higher risk than young men. There are many risk factors that contribute to the spread of HIV, including prostitution, high-risk practices among youths, high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, clandestine high-risk heterosexual and homosexual practices, international trafficking of women, and irregular blood screening.
HIV infection is preventable. As over 80% of HIV infection is through sexual intercourse, prevention of sexual transmission is the key in the control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Therefore the main objective is to raise public awareness of the risk and change of behaviors that put individuals at the risk of contracting or transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases in order to reduce the spread of the epidemic. Transmission of HIV is greatly increased for those who have multiple sex partners and engage in unprotected sex.
The education sector (especially Higher Institutions) has been seriously affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The epidemic has led to decline in the quality of education and population as the epidemic takes its toll among students. The increasing trend of HIV/AIDS related absenteeism and deaths of students causing a serious threat to education development. Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection.

When will it go out of Style......HIV/AIDS among our Youths

The global challenge HIV/AIDS is on the Global Agenda, it remains one of the forces leading to the causes of death amongst unborn child, born child, teen youths and Adults. The challenge continue to leave while people die, for every two (2) people who starts treatment there is 100% probability that additional five (5) are infected.
In Nigeria, HIV/AIDS is rampant, in the whole of the world, Nigeria is rated the 5th country, with the highest population of HIV/AIDS victims, and the first (1st) in Africa.
The HIV epidemic in Nigeria is complex and varies widely by region. In some states, the epidemic is more concentrated and driven by high-risk behaviours, while other states have more generalized epidemics that are sustained primarily by multiple sexual partnerships in the general population. Youth and young adults in Nigeria are particularly vulnerable to HIV, with young women at higher risk than young men. There are many risk factors that contribute to the spread of HIV, including prostitution, high-risk practices among youths, high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, clandestine high-risk heterosexual and homosexual practices, international trafficking of women, and irregular blood screening.
HIV infection is preventable. As over 80% of HIV infection is through sexual intercourse, prevention of sexual transmission is the key in the control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Therefore the main objective is to raise public awareness of the risk and change of behaviors that put individuals at the risk of contracting or transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases in order to reduce the spread of the epidemic. Transmission of HIV is greatly increased for those who have multiple sex partners and engage in unprotected sex.
The education sector (especially Higher Institutions) has been seriously affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The epidemic has led to decline in the quality of education and population as the epidemic takes its toll among students. The increasing trend of HIV/AIDS related absenteeism and deaths of students causing a serious threat to education development. Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection.

Ghetto Story: Leroy's Story

Leroy, at first glance, seems to live the life of an average 17-year old. He is dark, good-looking and smiles with a deep dimple planted in his left cheek. He has the look of any teenage girl’s dream guy. He has intelligence which complements his charm, and is very bright, which is evident in his 7 CxCs' (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC)) passes including English, Economics and History, all with credits. Leroy engages his leisure time with football and music, during which he listens to dancehall artiste Movado. Quite ordinary don’t you think? I thought so too, but Leroy, with sadness lurking in his eyes that fateful afternoon in a library, revealed to me that he was a gang member and thus was leading a double life. During the day he attends a prominent high school where he is in sixth form pursuing four Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) subjects, and at night he is a typical “hustler” on the streets where he toils as he distributes drugs and picks up cash from his customers. He said he sells the “weed” for the “Don” in their community who he says is 38 years old. This “Don”, Leroy says, targets youth in the community within the fifteen to nineteen age group who have no father. He sends them on “missions” and even equips them with guns to exploit and extort people. Leroy showed me how he pads his shoes with the “weed” as he transports it for sale at school. He actually packages the ganja in poly bags, cuts the soles in his shoes and then carefully insert the bags with the weed between the soles. This, he said, has to be done very skillfully in order not to create any wobble in his walking and elicit suspicions. Leroy has his share of familial issues, which are what prompt him to continue his drug dealings. He lives in a small board cottage with his mother and younger sister. His mother is unemployed and has nervous system problems and is sometimes unable to source medication. He finds it even more difficult to single-handedly finance both his and his sister’s schooling. “A me have fi gi mi madda a money more time fi buy her medication. Mi have fi lie to her and tell her a mi girlfren gi mi money cause she love mi. If mamma fine out she wuda get sicka and right mi no want stress her out,” he explains to me after I asked why he cannot just relinquish his sort of living. Leroy also lamented the absence of his father, who he says is alive but contributes absolutely nothing to his well-being and is the main reason why he became involved in his nefarious indulgences. “If my father did deh yah me wouldn’t do dem tings yah trust me. Him woulda show me how to be a man and how to treat a woman. Nuff ginalship weh mi use bout woman and nuff tings mi know a pan di streets mi know them.” He explains how his other friends who too are gang members and drugs dealers urge him consistently to leave school and become fully immersed in the business, but Leroy says he wants a solid education and a PhD in Economics, where he can offer his expertise in solving many of Jamaica’s economical dilemmas. Leroy’s ambitions also include becoming a teacher of Economics, relinquishing his nefarious indulges and becoming an exemplary figure to youth like himself who feel distraught and burdened. He wants to motivate them and be a father to his children- the father he wishes he had. He acknowledges that his doings are really bad but he says he has to continue for “survival,” because his mother cannot afford to properly provide for him. Leroy also spoke of his numerous girlfriends who readily satisfy his sexual desires and who throw themselves at him because of his “bad bwoy,” “gangsta” image. However he spoke glowingly about the apple of his eyes who he says understands him and provides encouragement whenever his older brother, his biggest motivator isn’t around. “A she mi rate,” he said with a loving smile which lit up his eyes momentarily. Leroy said he smokes and is even unable to study unless he does so. Smoking, he says, also helps him to release the tension and calms him down, when he sometimes cries and ponders on his situation. Even when I met him at the library he was in a gloomy mood and was deep in thought before requesting my company. Leroy spoke also about his fear of dying but he says one has to be “tough out a road cuz it no easy at all.” With obvious sadness and remorse he said, “Mi neva do anything in a mi life because mi love it. A always fi stop a next problem. Trust me it hard fi me especially when me think about mi mother. Mi love har believe mi.” He then revealed to me the letter he wrote to her in case he dies. The letter reads: Hey mama. I guess you are saying to yourself that I didn’t listen to the many warnings that you have given to me but what can I say? Life has been hard since the day you gave birth to me, mama, and I don’t blame you one bit for that because all the hardship that we went through just made me stronger. This letter was written with tears in my eyes, mom, and a special love in my heart for you. I want you to know that all the good things that you did for me are appreciated. I am sorry for all the times I made you cry and worry about where I was. I knew the day would come when all the wrongs that I did would fall back on me, but I couldn’t stop because my eyes were fixed on the prize, Mom. I was tired of being poor with no one to lend a helping hand, so I had to make things happen for the family, mom, and the funny thing is, even though I sold drugs it felt good helping to put food on the table and easing some pressure off you. Now that I am gone I don’t want you to cry mom, just be strong, just like you taught me to because I’m just gone for the moment. We will meet each other again. Please pray for my soul and ask God to take me under his wings and forgive me for all my sins. I hope he will understand that all I ever wanted was respect and happiness. Your son Leroy. Sad, isn’t it? Indeed it is very sad when one has to suffer so immensely at such a tender age. All I could have done was hug and console him. Just remember Leroy in your prayer and don’t be too quick to judge and criticize those “bad boys” because you never know what prompts them to behave the way they do. I am guilty of this judgmental attitude and I am really sorry. Greed is not the reason behind Leroy’s actions but desperation is one of them. Finally, I implore all fathers today, this very minute, to carry out their responsibilities with great seriousness so that Leroy and many others like him will no longer have to suffer. Peace!NB: This is a true story; “Leroy’s” real name has been withheld for privacy.

by Shawna-Kay Williams Published on: May 15, 2008Topic: Type: Short Stories

Takingitglobal.com

Ghetto Story: Leroy's Story
by Shawna-Kay Williams, Jamaica
May 15, 2008

Substance Abuse , Youth Violence , Poverty

Next IssueAugust 2008:

Dialogue on SexualityIn many communities, cultures, and households sexuality is a taboo subject, but sexuality is also part of being human. The World Health Organization definition states that it is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, ethical, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors. In short, it is part of who we are. The Sexuality Issue is an open discussion of a topic intimately linked to our health, happiness, and identities. Although sexuality has never been directly addressed in Panorama before, it is a topic that is widely discussed on TakingITGlobal. Members can find resources in the Health and Wellness section of our Understanding the Issues, or debate on a wide range of topics with other youth in our Discussion Boards. Some of the topics related to sexuality that have interested TakingITGlobal members include: legalizing abortion, abstinence and HIV, masturbation, HIV/AIDS, sexual education for children, and teen pregnancy.Sexuality influences, and is influenced by, so many factors. Here are just a few related topics to get you thinking about how sexuality affects many aspects of your life:Health: The spread of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and sexually transmitted infections among youth makes our sexuality a key factor in our overall health.Gender: Discrimination against women and girls happens in nearly every culture in the world, this directly affects attitudes towards women's sexuality as well as their sexual health. Abuse: Young people are one of the most at risk groups for becoming victims of sexual abuse.Education: Sexual education for youth is often nonexistent or inadequate, denying young people the knowledge to protect themselves.Culture: Different cultures have different approaches to sexuality, sex education, gender, etc. In some cultures it is considered appropriate to provide sex education for youth in schools, for others it is a topic reserved for married adults.Relationships: The attitudes and actions of those close to you: parents, teachers, spouses, partners, etc., all influence your approach to your own sexuality.Emotion: Emotional health is indivisible from sexual health.Religion: Religions have certain views on the nature of sexuality and what is or isn't appropriate.Poverty: Young people living in poor communities often do not have access to sex education or the means to protect themselves. Rights: Your sexual rights are already included in international human rights documents. Are they being practiced in your community?How is the issue of sexuality expressed or discussed in your community?What experiences have you had with sex education?Do you think it is important for youth to discuss sexuality openly?Youth and Sexuality is a neglected and often misunderstood topic, this is your chance to bring it out into the open. The Sexuality Issue aims to be a dialogue we hope that all TakingITGlobal members, regardless of background, can participate in. Make your contribution to the discussion! We will be accepting contributions until the end of August! If you have any questions, contact us @ editorial@takingitglobal.org

Who we Are

ABOUT US
The foundation is a platform on which solutions and responses are given to the global increase in HIV/AIDS, we are providing positive results to the challenges faced by youths through aggressive campaign, total care provision, and supports, which will be extended globally.

N.C.A.F is set to be a Non–Governmental Organization (N.G.O) uniting communications, professional’s students, renowned scientist and parents ads instruments for a positive global change: impact youths on Nigeria institutions and help say “NO” to HIV/AIDS and live responsibly.

N.C.A.F is a service oriented foundation, non-profit and non governmental organization, but dedicated to provide a large range of financial, creative, health, educative, and support services to youths.

N.C.A.F runs a campaign/awareness unit, where every institution in Nigeria will be involved materially, academically etc, through our medium of approach and funds generated from the public, governments, grants and sponsors.


OUR MISSION:
A highly passionate and concerned team, motivated to provide life long services and to support youths as campaign/ awareness against HIV/AIDS and to live responsibly.

OUR VISION:
Our vision is that of seeing our Institutions and youths free from the global challenge (HIV/AIDS) instead embrace global campaign against HIV/AID. and Youth in Nigeria would be a crusader of positive change at any given period of time.

OUR OBJECTIVES:
v To campaign against spread of HIV/AIDS on our campuses.
v Fighting against inferiority complex and stigmatizations among youth in Nigeria Institutions.
v To build a positive value system among Youth.
v And to empower Youths using their creativity to make life easy For others .
v Showcasing forum for the exhibition of talents and trained abilities.
v To give sense of alert as regards HIV/AIDS on our Campuses.
v Programs/ seminars for youths on campuses
v To live responsibly.
v To provide a platform for youths to work together towards the building of a NEW NIGERIA.
v To help stop discrimination.
v Helping youths in higher level of education to direct their strengths and skills into more productive and positive ventures.
v To be relevant to our Country.
v Life protection towards HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
ORGANISATIONAL VALUES:
v Creative thinking and performances.
v Highly disciplined team.
v Mutual respect.
v Integrity.
v Unparallel friendly and caring team.
v Total sincerity and loyalty to service.
v Qualitative services to youths, parents and the community.
v Good reputation.
v Punctuality
v Result orientation and Achievement

v Team spirit
v Professional standard
AREA OF FOCUS:
Nigerian Campus Aids Foundation is operating on a strategic period between Years 2009 – 2011 through the following tools:
Services includes
v Advocacy and community mobilization
v Strategic Youth Leadership Training
v Youth and the Media Trainings
v Adolescent Reproductive Health
v The Use of ICT in advocating more about HIV/AIDS
v Edutainment Project(Word and Pictures)
v International Youth Exchange program
v Youth and the Environment
v Youth Entrepreneurial Program

OUR CAPABILITY
Nigerian Campus Aids Foundation has a term of highly skilled a dedicated and seasoned professional, our CORE strength is the fact that we see a challenge, understand the cause, know what should be done, and decided to provide SOLUTIONS and CAMPAIGN against those challenges.
OUR TEAM
Nigerian Campus Aids Foundation team are selected from a platform of skills, professions, motivations, dedications, and wealth of experience, commitments, passion and skilful competence from a diverse range of background. It involves youth, personalities, organizations, dignitaries etc who have proved a level of integrity and concern.
Nigerian Campus Aids Foundation team share a UNIQUE VALUE that we call our VIEWPOINT:
ü V- Vigorous
ü I Integrity
ü E- Efficient
ü W- Wisdom
ü P- Problem Solver
ü O- Outstanding
ü I- Impact
ü N- Noble
ü T- Trustworthy
The organization stand on the principles:
v Dynamism
v Strength
v Transparency

v Productivity
Networks Belongs to:
· International Youth Leadership Stakeholders Forum
· TakingItGlobal Canada
· Talk Village International
· Coalition on Issue based and Good Governance/Nigeria Economy Summit Group CIPOG Lagos
· Global Children and Youth for Change UK
· Baobab Connections Canada
· British Council Human Right Information Network
· Youth Actor Ning Asaba Nigeria
· Nipro Nigeria
· Exploit Group Nigeria

Contact Us
Ilupeju Legunsen Palace, Offin Sagamu Ogun State Nigeria



Mr. Teslim Bello
CEO
Phone: +2348035376099
Website: www.ncaf.blogspot .com
Facebook:ncafnigeria@yahoo.com