In commemoration of World Aids Day, the National Children and Violence Trust (NCVT) organised a candlelight ceremony at Hope Creche in Diepsloot on 1 December to raise awareness and remember those who have passed away due to HIV and Aids.
“We do this to commemorate those who have passed, but also those who are in a daily struggle with Aids,” said Mpumi Mndaweni, senior social worker at the trust.
Judith Mthombeni, another senior social worker said, “The disease and the fight against it are real. We should avoid stigmatising and deal with the effects of the disease.”
During the ceremony, the youth were tested for HIV at the Right to Care tent and if tested positive for the disease, were given sufficient post counselling and were directed to the nearest clinic for treatment.
The team from the National Children and Violence Trust.
“We try to help people to get tested, to know their HIV status and to give information in [a bid] to reduce the number of infections,” said Phindile Skhosana, an auxiliary social worker.
She added that post counselling is available to assist clients to accept their reality and to help them realise that the disease is not a death sentence.
The candles at the Hope Creche in Diepsloot stand ready to be lit.
“One can live a full life these days if you are educated on the matter,” said Mndaweni. She added that it is, indeed, important to keep people aware of the fact that HIV/Aids can be avoided through preventative measures but, unfortunately, we cannot change the world in one day so, for now, we must help those in need who struggle with it in their daily lives and communities.
