The 12th Youth Conference: Empowering Young Lives in the Fight Against HIV
From November 28 to December 2, 2024, the 12th Youth Conference brought together 100 young people living with HIV for a powerful and transformative experience. Organized by the YAWE Foundation and supported by key partners, including the Deutsche AIDS-Stiftung, this event served as a crucial step in the global mission to end HIV and AIDS by 2030. Over the course of five days, participants engaged in learning, empowerment, and community-building activities that inspired hope and strengthened their resolve to overcome challenges.
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Day 1: Welcoming and Opening Ceremony
The conference kicked off on November 28 with participants arriving from various regions, their excitement and anticipation filling the air. The opening ceremony celebrated their resilience and emphasized the importance of solidarity, empowerment, and education in the fight against HIV. Special thanks were given to the Deutsche AIDS-Stiftung for their vital financial support.
The evening was marked by a communal dinner that fostered an atmosphere of warmth and connection, setting the stage for a week of learning, sharing, and growth.
Day 2: Knowledge Sharing and Empowerment
November 29 was a day dedicated to workshops aimed at equipping participants with tools to manage their lives confidently while living with HIV:
1. HIV Awareness and Empowerment (YAPS):
The day began with a session by YAPS on medication adherence, self-empowerment, and understanding HIV beyond its stigma. Participants actively contributed by sharing personal stories, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual learning.
2. Family Planning (RHU):
The RHU led a session on family planning, addressing challenges in relationships and parenting for people living with HIV. Open and honest discussions provided practical insights and encouragement.
3. Utilizing Social Media (Anna and Justus):
This session highlighted the benefits and risks of social media, particularly in combating misinformation. A passionate dialogue emerged, touching on societal issues like poverty and sparking critical thinking among participants.
4. Nutrition and Health (Dr. Murungi):
Dr. Murungi from the YAWE Foundation closed the day with an insightful session on the importance of proper nutrition for physical and mental well-being. Participants left with practical tips to maintain a balanced diet.
The day concluded with free time and another communal dinner, allowing participants to reflect on the day’s lessons and deepen their connections.
Day 3: Candle Light Day – Honoring and Reflecting
November 30 focused on remembrance and resilience as participants observed Candle Light Day to honor lives affected by HIV.
1. Mental Health and Resilience (David Kwagala):
The morning began with a powerful session on mental health, goal-setting, and overcoming challenges. Participants reflected on their personal struggles and left with renewed confidence to face the future.
2. Candle Light March and Ceremony:
In the afternoon, participants marched through the city with the YAWE Brass Band, raising awareness and uniting the community. The march culminated in an emotional ceremony featuring speeches from Executive Director Akota George William, the Focal Person for HIV, and a representative of the president. Their heartfelt messages underscored the importance of education, community action, and hope.
The YAWE Drama Group followed with a moving performance portraying the realities of living with HIV. The day ended with a powerful candle-lighting ceremony, where participants honored lives lost and committed to a future free from stigma and HIV.
Day 4: World AIDS Day – Spreading Awareness
On December 1, participants joined the global celebration of World AIDS Day, using the platform to spread awareness and engage the community.
The day began with a vibrant parade led by the military band, drawing attention from the palace to the Boma Playground. The parade was an opportunity to initiate meaningful conversations about HIV.
At the Boma Playground, local leaders and healthcare professionals delivered speeches on HIV prevention, treatment, and the importance of collective responsibility. Free HIV testing services were offered, ensuring access to critical healthcare.
Entertainment played a central role in the day’s success, with performances from the YAWE Brass Band, drama and dance groups, and even a boxing match by the Youth of Tooro. The day ended on a celebratory note with a lively evening party, where participants reflected on the week’s progress.
Day 5: Reflection and Farewell
The final day, December 2, was dedicated to reflecting on the week’s achievements and setting future goals. Participants revisited key takeaways and shared how they planned to apply their new knowledge in their daily lives.
Closing speeches emphasized the importance of advocacy, education, and continued collaboration in the fight against HIV. A farewell lunch provided the perfect closing to a week filled with connection, empowerment, and hope.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
The 12th Youth Conference was a resounding success, empowering young people to embrace their journeys with confidence and hope. It created a space for learning, reflection, and mutual support, contributing to the global mission to end HIV and AIDS by 2030.
The YAWE Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to all who made this event possible, especially the Deutsche AIDS-Stiftung for their unwavering support.
As we look to the future, we eagerly anticipate the next Youth Conference, where we will continue to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation to build a world free of HIV and AIDS.
