"Two years ago I had the opportunity to go to Thailand, Khon Kaen for an overseas project. Then, AIDS was something I knew of as a disease that had to be 'cured' by revolutionary discoveries in medicine. No treatment, no cure, right?
I was so wrong.
Medical assistance is one thing, but loving and caring for them like any other human being is what they desire most. People commonly tend to shun AIDS/HIV patients for all the stereotyped reasons, and it was there that I learnt that it was quite the opposite. Many of those inflicted had no choice in the matter, or were 'betrayed' (so-to-say) by the spouses whom they love. Even more heartbreaking are those who force themselves into the sex industry in order to support their family back home. In fact, many are not educated enough in AIDS to know how to avoid it. They are victims of their own circumstance, and me having pre-conceived notions about them was further adding salt to their injuries.
The situation at home in Singapore is not much different either. Just because people prefer to keep these issues under wraps doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I don't know much about AIDS itself, but I would like to learn more and see how we can help them. Discovering that you have AIDS is definitely not an easy journey to overcome, can you imagine how much more painful it would be if you find yourself unable to turn to the people you have around you for fear of unfair judgement? Won't that make dealing with the blow so much more tough?
I feel that if we open our eyes, and most importantly our hearts, we'd be able to alleviate significant grief and pain in their situation. Especially so for those who are innocent. We have the capacity to do it, if only we are willing to take that first step forward."
- Wee Yeong Wei, 18, Student
A SYINC initiative to raise awareness and challenge stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS | In conjunction with World AIDS Day 2007.
WE HAVE MOVED! Check out: wadupsg.wordpress.com
Invite friends, blog, or make your own video! Check it out below. Our top recruiter, top blog post and top mini-documentary will get... (mystery prize - we'll tell you soon enough!)
Waddup with WAD Up?
WAD Up! is an innovative online multimedia initiative looking at HIV/AIDS through the eyes of young people in Singapore. Using web2.0 tools like Facebook and Youtube, it combines the technology of digital media, the creativity of artistic expression, and the power of personal experience, to tell our own stories about AIDS. In conjunction with World AIDS Day, 1 Dec 2007.
Why
1.To raise awareness of HIV/AIDS among Singapore youth
2.To challenge stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and HIV+ individuals (PLWHA)
3.To engage young people to talk about AIDS on their own terms
What were we thinking
The theme ‘Compound Eyes’ is inspired by the idea of HIV as viewed from many lenses: Not only from different individuals, but also the multiple lenses we see the world from – mother, son, lover, confidante, friend. The stories of these individuals, as told from their own lenses, will be showcased through the WAD Up! blog.
Who
Students in secondary school, JC, poly, ITE, university; young professionals; social activists; individuals who care.
Why
1.To raise awareness of HIV/AIDS among Singapore youth
2.To challenge stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and HIV+ individuals (PLWHA)
3.To engage young people to talk about AIDS on their own terms
What were we thinking
The theme ‘Compound Eyes’ is inspired by the idea of HIV as viewed from many lenses: Not only from different individuals, but also the multiple lenses we see the world from – mother, son, lover, confidante, friend. The stories of these individuals, as told from their own lenses, will be showcased through the WAD Up! blog.
Who
Students in secondary school, JC, poly, ITE, university; young professionals; social activists; individuals who care.
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