SWAGG NEWS AFRICA: DIAMOND SHE AFRICA MARKED HER 5TH EDITION OF WORLD AIDS DAY 2015 WITH SUREQ MODEL COLLEGE.

Barry Mayne performing

On 1^st December 2015, Diamond She Africa marked her 5^th edition of World Aids Day at SUREQ MODEL COLLEGE GWARANDOK ROAD OFF NAMUA JUNCTION, JOS, PLATEAU STATE NIGERIA. It was a...

day seminar hosted by Pheobe Rotmwa Gonchen Founder/CEO Diamond She Africa and DiamondShe Africa team. The theme of this year World Aids Day is “GETTING TO ZERO”.

TEAM OF ORGANIZERS

The keynote speaker was Ven Lannap an activist of human right, who battles to end human trafficking in Africa via her Project Rehab non-profit organization. She’s also the proprietor of “Before and After Crèche/Day-care”. Kumi of Rhythm FM 93.7 Jos anchored the activity. Christy, Janet, Omotola, and Precious were the DiamondShe team for the event. Eunice the proprietor of a reality peace television was there. Amb. Prosper Egeonu, Japhet Makama, and Eunice Ice represented SwaGG News Africa family. DJ Steve was on the wheels, while Barry Mayne was there to entertain the students.

Kumi opened the event with the National Anthem, which was led by a student Joy Dazam. The opening prayer was said by Praise Touchlight also a student of Sureq. The college proprietor and his wife, the principal, dean of studies, administrators, and CEO DiamondShe Africa were recognized.

GAME SECTION

The game section was interesting and fun for the students. They were asked questions concerning the topic of the day which is “World Aids Day” and “Getting to Zero”. For every question answered, they earn a 3 marks score which will be added to them on any subject of their choice because they are on exams now, and this was approved by their proprietor as arranged by the school authority and Diamond She Africa.

PLAY LET

A short interesting and didactic play about AIDS was presented by the students of Sureq. It was about a high school boy who was from a wealthy home, aware he was HIV positives, intentionally spreads it by hosting big parties with lots of alcohol and drugs; then infest the virus on other school girls. A girl found out she has contacted the virus from him, but spoke out so others knew about his status and his wrong acts.

CEO DIAMOND SHE AFRICA

Phoebe Rotmwa (also a YALI Network member) came up expounding on the theme “Getting To Zero”. She gave a brief hint on the purposes of DiamondShe Africa and she declared “abstinence” is the safest way to prevent HIV.

Kumi elaborated on the meaning of “Getting To Zero”. She told the students it means “a generation totally free from HIV and AIDS”, and also on the need of preventing HIV and Stopping discrimination against people with AIDS.

GUEST SPEAKER

Ven Lannap highlighted of the meaning of getting to zero; No more births with HIV, no more deaths from AIDS, and no discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS. We want a future with peace and a future without calamity. She talked on why we are here to put our hands together and say NO to HIV/AIDS as it starts with the young people.

She also explained how deadly the virus can be; how it breaks down the immune system and leads to death. She spoke of all other ways the virus can be contracted aside sexual intercourse. Though it is not a pleasant topic to discuss, but we all need to keep talking about it so as to get HIV/AIDS to zero percent. It is our responsibility to achieve the zero percent targets.

We are all equal in the sight of God so should not look at people living with HIV as weaker persons, or with pity but we should show them love and care and help them. She said we should never get tired of fighting; we shouldn’t stop nor lose hope. She encouraged the students to talk about it to their friends and family members.

She said to the organizers; she wants them to continue to create awareness, and easy access for young ones to get the right information on how to prevent transmission and where to get help for persons living with the virus.

Kumi gave the students opportunity to ask questions. Eunice Ice presence was recognized.

ENTERTAINMENT

Barry Mayne gave a rendition that got the crowd all excited and singing along with him.

Kumi had everyone hold hands and say that we are getting to zero level.

VOTE OF THANKS

The proprietor of Sureq Model School thanked Diamond She Africa for bringing the program to their school and pledge to support DSA to continue.

CEO Diamond She Africa thanked the school management, student, and everyone who helped make the program a huge success.

CLOSING PRAYER

The principal of Sureq Model College said the closing prayer. Group photograph was taken outside the hall afterwards.

SPECIAL THANKS

Plateau State Government ( Her Excellency Wife of the Governor)

Director of Press to Wife of Governor Plateau State (Mrs Emmanuel Nanle)