December 1st is internationally recognized as World AIDS Day and Kageno marked the occasion with a community event that drew over 2000 participants and guests."Leadership" was this year's theme.
A group of People Living With AIDS ( PLWAs ) sang songs and gave testimonials on the importance of knowing one's HIV status and living as an open HIV positive person. The PLWAs joined Rusinga Island community officials, local pastors and a nurse from Tom Mboya Health Centre in presenting current statistics and testing information to the community at large.
Kageno provided meals and beverages to attendees while various community groups performed dramas, narratives and skits. The Baptist Church performed a Christian choir and Tuungane Youth Group provided the free voluntary Counseling and Testing services as well as donating the Public address system. The speeches and performances were scheduled around the sports activities, with Rusinga Island youth teams competing in games of volleyball, football (soccer) and netball (a version of basketball for women). Children participated in sack races and the adults played net ball. As the day came to an end, awards were given to the winning teams.
A highlight of the event was when community leaders including the area Assistant Chief, Kageno Kenya Director and leaders of other community based groups took the lead and went for Voluntary Counseling and Testing. Over 200 people showed interest when they saw the community leaders taking the lead and received testing as well.
By Kageno supporting the world Aids day 2007 event, the lives of many people have been directly affected on Rusinga Island, giving them hope and opportunity. They will be working to increase their knowledge on HIV/AIDS, control the spread of infectious diseases, and ultimately live better and healthier lives.
Many thanks to the donors who made today's event possible!
Alphonce Okuku
Kageno Kenya Director
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