29 May 2009 | FXB Celebrates World AIDS Orphans Day 2009

On May 7th, advocates across the globe gave a voice to the millions of orphans and vulnerable children affected by the AIDS pandemic by celebrating the 8th Annual World AIDS Orphans Day.

For the second consecutive year, the goal of World AIDS Orphans Day 2009 was to urge governments to direct at least 10% of all HIV and AIDS funding to support AIDS orphans and vulnerable children.  Events led by FXB, governments, non-profit organizations, and individuals took place in 22 countries and focused on raising awareness in local communities.

FXB held press conferences in Colombia, Malta, France, India and Rwanda to draw attention to the cause, and also organized activities around the world to honor the day which included:

·         A photo exchibition organized by FXB Franc in the Town Hall of Paris titled "20 Years Along with AIDS Orphans", featuring photographs depicting the lives of children who participate in FXB programs;

·         An inter-school youth soccer tournament organized by FXB Rwanda;

·         Street play performances, dancing, and poetry readings about World AIDS Orphans Day by youth enrolled in the FXB South Africa after-school programs;

·         “Paint Your Dreams”, a national painting competition organized by FXB India providing a platform for 3000 children to share their feelings about the future and learn about their rights;

·         A film screening about children affected by AIDS, and a discussion about World AIDS Orphans Day organized by FXB Brazil;

·         An academic forum and mock-UN session addressing the AIDS orphans crisis for 350 young people hosted by FXB Colombia and The Universidad del Norte.

In addition to the efforts of FXB’s international offices, individuals and organizations from Tokyo to Boise, Idaho spearheaded their own efforts to raise awareness and celebrate World AIDS Orphans Day.   Among these creative events:

·         Food and shoes were distributed to former street children living at the AGATEKA Center in Bujumbura, Burundi;

·         Positive Living through AIDS Orphans Support (PLAS) presented an exhibit of paintings and photographs of AIDS orphans in Tokyo, Japan;

·         The Community Support Group held a candlelight vigil and performed plays in Nepal;

·         Towns in Idaho, Minnesota, and North Dakota  held “Kids Walking Kids Home” marches organized by the organization From HIV to Home;

·         The Dangwa Initiative in Albany, New York hosted a gospel concert and conducted a roundtable discussion with women who work with AIDS orphans;

·         The Worldwide Orphans Foundation invited young artists to submit creative works that raise awareness about children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

FXB USA is thrilled with the success of World AIDS Orphans Day 2009 and appreciates the hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication of all those involved.  Together we have helped raise a collective voice in support of the millions of voiceless children through this day of global solidarity and awareness.

For more information on World AIDS Orphans Day please visit the official website at: www.worldaidsorphans.org