World Aids Day with Nelson Mandela's Childrens Fund

Today I was present at an event that was in a way in commemoration of World Aids Day. We (Girls Net younger group) went to Saxonwold and did "Cyber Dialogues" with a few other NGO's but with the Nelson Mandela's Children Fund being the host of this event. We discussed topics concerning Males and their roles in HIV/AIDS and as role models in their homes, communities and children(s)'s lives. Some very personal stories were shared and in general it was an eye-opening experience to what these young teenagers and children have experienced and are still experiencing daily. Such difficulties and past and present pains are, to put it mildly, a trial for ones much older and supposedly "wiser". That these girls and boys are having to deal with problems and situations of this magnitude is at the same time both worrying and awe-inspiring. It makes you aware of how strong and how hurt the children of the world are. We have the power to change their present and give them a better life than what they've had. I challenge you to therefore take responsibility for these young people and the future of our Country and give them what they more than have a right to. I became painfully aware of how privelleged I am and of how much I have every single day. I have opportunities that they long for and that I take for granted. I can make a difference; I will make a difference in any way I can. The main theme that was discussed was Fathers nad how male role-models have affected your life. I personally haven't experienced this sort of parenting. My mother brought me up and I see my Dad every school holiday. My father, until very recently, was a drug addict and lived with his parents in a different province to myself and my sisters. He regularly took marijuana (about 3 times daily) and occasionally took LSD and ecstacy (every few months when he could afford it). But I, unlike many girls, have had a Heavenly Father that has loved me from the beginning and will love me always. I was blessed with a stepdad that is unsettlingly a lot like me whereas I have always been a bit of a strange and different child in my family. He takes care of us and treats us with respect and concern for our well-being. I have come to hold him close to my heart and love him ijn my own way though it has not always been like this. I have known him for 4 and a half years now and have been privelleged to have that time with him. I will never be unloved. These girls do not have that gaurantee or don't realise that they have the opportunity to have that gaurantee (i.e: Christianity). I will go into relief and charity work once I matriculate and thereafter probably study War Journalism. I eill do all I can to better the lives of young girls such as these. My father is now a Christian and takes care of his mother who was recently widowed. He doesn't take any drugs nor does he smoke. He attends Church regularly and is a member of the Church band and is using his amazing musical talent for a greater purpose. I often receive messages from him saying how he misses us and loves us and we have a different but stronger bond now. I never stopped loving him and now can even more. May the Lord bless all of you.