Issued by: GCIS
23 August 2001
The National Children's Forum on HIV/AIDS is being co-ordinated by:
The forum has been funded by the National Department of Health (HIV/AIDS Directorate) and the Bernard van Leer Foundation (Holland).
The National Children's Forum on HIV/AIDS will be held in Cape Town between the 22nd and 24th August 2001. The forum aims to:
1. Provide children who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS with the opportunity to address decision-makers on issues of concern to children.
2. Produce a "memorandum of action" which summarises the issues raised by the children and ensures a commitment from decision-makers to address these issues.
3. Increase awareness of the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on children in South Africa
4. Provide feedback and information from the child's perspective, on the implementation and development of policies and programmes designed to address the impact of HIV/AIDS on children.
During the first 2 days (22nd and 23rd August), the children will participate in workshops, using art, drama and discussion to express the impact of HIV/AIDS on their lives. On Friday the 24th, the children will meet with representatives from relevant National Government Departments, Ministries and National Parliamentary Committees to discuss the impact of HIV/AIDS on their lives and to draft a memorandum of action to address this impact.
Due to the sensitive nature of the event, media coverage will be limited. No media will be allowed into the Forum for the first 2 days. However, if you would like to be present at the Forum on Friday 24th August when the children meet with decision-makers, please complete and return the application form. Available on request.
PLEASE FAX THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM TO PAULA AT (021) 689 5403 BY THE 15TH AUGUST 2001 AT 12:00. (You will be notified as soon as possible whether your application has been successful.)