Medical research is currently at the most advanced stage ever in human history and although new antidotes are being discovered, some diseases are still incurable. For acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (Aids) caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), prevention is the only safe bet.
Hayat, a skill-based educational initiative for adolescents, organised “Creative Express Activity” on Friday to promote awareness about measures to prevent Aids to mark World Aids Day which falls on December 1.
Some 30 students used their brushes and spray cans to promote the cause through paintings and graffiti under the supervision of three Fine Arts teachers. A large number of students observing the artists at work appreciated the effort of their peers and cheered them on.
Speaking on the occasion, HAYAT Chief Executive Officer Omer Aftab stressed on the need to engage the youth on issues concerning them, saying Aids awareness was crucial.
“Absence of information
and proper guidance can expose young adults to exploitation and lead them to make wrong decisions. Parents and teachers can educate adolescents regarding the disease in light of Islam,” he added.
Rawalpindi National College of Arts (NCA) Principal Dr Nadim Omer Tarar endorsed the cause and assured unconditional support while appreciating the efforts of HAYAT campaign that emphasised on giving proper care and attention to Aids patients and informed that
social alienation of a person who has contracted the virus is counter-productive for them.
“It’s about time parents and teachers start educating children about problems linked to growing up, including diseases like Aids,” said Hira Ali, a young volunteer who thinks no one could teach the youth better about the issue than parents themselves.
The activity was organised in collaboration with NCA Rawalpindi.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2013.