Tuesday, March 17, 2009

step into Africa project--The AIDS crisis: Can you survive the journey of a child?


Please note that the information below was taken verbatim from fliers distributed in the schools, and permission to do so was granted by the organization.

Introduction:
  • Aids is the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time. No part of the world has been affected more than Africa.
  • Millions die each year. Every 15 seconds, AIDS claims another life.
  • 2 out of 3 people living with HIV are in Africa.
  • What can we do to stop it?
Where/When:
  • Faith E. Church, 3145 Sweetwater Drive, Billings MT, 59102
  • March 29-April 5
  • Free to the public. Sponsored by: Bresnan, Big Sky Disaster Restoration Service, Meyerco Sprinkler Systems, and alphagraphics.
  • NOTE: While this event is being held in the auditorium of a church, it is about raising awareness for the AIDS pandemic and nothing else. This is a nationwide tour that focuses on getting public schools to attend. World Vision understands that this is not the time or place to express religious views or opinions.
What is the Experience?
  • The exhibit takes you on an unforgettable journey into Africa--and into the AIDS crisis.
  • As guests walk through the interactive exhibit, they listen to the story of one of four real-life children. For a brief period of time, that child's story becomes their story.
  • Visitors will hear stirring audio and see gripping photography that will transport them into the heart of Africa.
Planning your Experience:
  • Students can walk through the exhibit in a half hour. Reservations for the date and time must be made in advance by pressing this LINK.
  • Keep in mind that there may be a line upon arrival (only 40 can be accommodated at a time), so it will be important to leave buffer time in case that there is a group of visitors before your reservation time.
Parental Discretion:
  • The summaries found on the above link will help you decide which, if any, of the four stories is appropriate for your child(ren).
  • It is not recommended that any child under 10 listen to the audio portion of the exhibit.
  • All stories were recommended for children age 13 0r older, but parental discretion is advised.
  • Please note that death is a theme in all 4 stories.
Ways to Get Involved:
  • 300-400Students Volunteers needed. Use above link to register to also sign up.
  • Participate in the 30 Hour Famine, a youth movement.
  • Challenge your class to make a Caregiver Kit. These are sent oversees to people who have generously committed to caring for people suffering from AIDS. Kits are made up of basic supplies like washcloths, latex gloves, cotton balls, antibacterial soap, anti-fungal cream, petroleum jelly, anti-diarrhea medicine, and acetaminophen. Learn more at this link.
Discussion Questions:
  • How did you feel before you put your hand down to be stamped? How did you feel after, and why?
  • To what extent had you previously seen/experienced poverty? How is what you saw in the exhibit similar/different?
  • What is your definition of poverty? Did the Experience prompt you to change your thoughts and perceptions about global poverty? If so, why? What will you do to take action?
  • What do you think it feels like to be a child affected by AIDS?
  • Did the things you experienced in the exhibit make you think/reflect about your own life, and is so what things did you think about?
  • What is something in your life that you have taken for granted until now?
  • What are some things about your life that are different than the life you experienced in the exhibit?
  • Did the Experience prompt you to change your thoughts and perceptions about global poverty? If so, why? What will you do to take action?
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For extra credit in Ms. Fettig's class, you must:
  • Attend the Experience, behave in a fitting manner, and bring me the voucher of attendance issued at the exhibit's conclusion.
  • After reflecting on your experience, select one of the above discussion questions to write an essay on. Please start with a topic sentence, so we know which question you are addressing and use essay form. Publish your comment on this blog posting.
  • Should you decide to "take action"--write a plan and discuss it for me. Extra, extra credit may be awarded.
Same message, student-led movement fighting HIV/AIDS: