We recently organized a workshop at Gopi Radha Girls School in Varanasi, where social workers and volunteers from Sanjeevani Booti conducted a presentation on HIV and AIDS. This has been a long-standing goal, and it was exciting to see it finally come to fruition. We presented to the 9th and 11th grade girls, though we had hoped to reach the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. Unfortunately, the school did not allow presentations for the 10th and 12th grades due to their upcoming exams. The 11th grade presentation took place on February 11th, and the 9th grade presentation on February 12th.
Class 9th students
We had originally planned to send one girl and one boy to each class, but the school only permitted female presenters, so we were able to send only girls. While I have some very motivated girls interested in this issue, they prefer paid positions rather than volunteering. Although I understand that finding people willing to work for free is challenging, this situation complicates my project. I currently lack regular donors and do not want to rely on just a few individuals. I need new sources of financial support for my projects.
Presentation about HIV infection
We also had valuable assistance from two international volunteers who helped make the event a success. Claire Abraham from Montreal, Canada, and Christina Hunter from San Francisco, USA, contributed significantly. Claire had been supporting me for the past month, providing information and training for Sanjeevani Booti’s social workers. Unfortunately, she could only attend the workshop on the 11th due to her need to travel to Nepal for a visa extension. Christina joined us on the second day.
School staff and Volunteers of Sanjeevani Booti
Some of the girls requested that we discuss condoms, sex, and sexually transmitted diseases in more detail. However, we refrained from showing condoms due to concerns about the school administration’s reaction. The girls have expressed a desire for a more comprehensive workshop on these topics, but organizing such an event is expensive. I am in touch with several doctors and social workers from other organizations to help make the next event successful.
Class 9th Students
I believe it would be valuable for the students to hear about HIV from people living with the virus. There is a network of HIV-positive individuals in Varanasi, and I hope to invite some of them to future events. While everything went well, I am concerned about the future. I realize that I need to learn how to write grant proposals to secure funding. Claire had promised to teach me this skill, and I am looking forward to her return in the next few days.
Sanjeevani Booti Staff with Students