UNA-USA's HERO Youth Ambassador Program Empowers U.S. Teens While Assisting HIV/AIDS-Affected Communities In Africa
The idea behind HERO is simple yet comprehensive: create a healthy learning environment and strengthen schools' responses to their most vulnerable learners, thereby helping to fight the effects of the HIV/AIDS crisis. President of UNA-USA William H. Luers states, "When UNA-USA created HERO, we made sure to include programs to directly engage young Americans in tangibly addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa."
Currently, HERO works with in-country partners to support 38 pilot schools in Ethiopia, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia. Each school is provided with a comprehensive "HERO Package" of support, divided into two strategic developmental stages that include feeding programs, repair and construction of classrooms, installation of toilets and clean water systems, the provision of books and school resources and even visiting nurses and counselors.
"The desire to educate one's child is a commonality that parents from around the world share," says HERO Special Programs Ambassador Andrea Kerzner. Her two children will participate in the pilot program this summer. "As a South African, it is important to me to give back to the country I was raised in, as well as to instill in my own children the notion of global, social responsibility at an early age. This pilot program is an excellent vehicle to expose teens to the problems facing Africa in a very real way. By working in schools and communities that have been hit hard by the HIV/AIDS crisis, these teens will hopefully form a life-long bond to the people and nations they are helping."
Participating students will take on the role of HERO Youth Ambassadors by organizing fundraisers within their schools and communities. Prior to traveling, each of the 12 students will become immersed in Namibian and South Africa culture, history and current affairs in order to develop a better understanding of the people and region that they will be visiting. This includes a scheduled group meeting with officials at the Namibian and South African Missions to the United Nations as well as an introductory Zulu language class.
While at the HERO schools in Namibia and South Africa, Youth Ambassadors will help build classrooms, install kitchens for in-schools feeding programs, and paint existing structures. The students will also engage in cross- cultural sharing of art, sports and recreational activities with one another.
"There is so much to be gleaned on both sides through this pilot endeavor," says HERO Program Manager Susan Fox. "The children in these African nations have so much they can teach and contribute to their American peers and vice versa. This is a wonderful opportunity to start breaking down barriers, dispel stereotypes and embrace roles as global citizens."
About UNA-USA:
The United Nations Association of the United States of America (About UNA-USA) is a center for innovative programs to engage Americans in issues of global concern, from education and HIV/AIDS to peace, security and international law. Its educational and humanitarian campaigns, including teaching students in urban schools, clearing minefields and providing school-based support for children living in HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Africa, allow people to make a global impact at the local level. A not-for-profit organization, UNA-USA encourages United States leadership in the United Nations and is a part of the World Federation of United Nations Associations.
About USAID:
The United States Agency for International Development extends assistance to countries engaging in democratic reforms, recovering from disaster and trying to escape poverty.
About USAID's Support of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief:
The United States Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more the 40 years. USAID is one of the U.S. Government partnership agencies implementing President George W. Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the largest single commitment ever by any nation for an international health initiative dedicated to a single disease -- a five-year, $15 billion, multifaceted approach to combating the disease in more than 120 countries around the world. The Emergency Plan supports critical programs for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), which strengthens the capacity of families and communities to care for children in their midst. In fiscal year 2005, the Emergency Plan supported care for 1.2 million orphans and vulnerable children, in addition to OVC receiving antiretroviral treatment through other U.S. Government programs
United Nations Association of the United States of America
http://www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=260414
UNA-erou al SUA Programul Tineret Ambasadorul SUA împuterniceºte Teens Deºi Asistarea HIV / SIDA-comunitãþile afectate În Africa - UNA-USA's HERO Youth Ambassador Program Empowers U.S. Teens While Assisting HIV/AIDS-Affected Communities In Africa - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate