Shout Out to @MTVShuga - our sexual health campaign and drama set in Nairobi, Kenya – for their success in trending worldwide on twitter with #ThatShugaMoment…

For those of you who may have missed it – @MTVShuga launched a competition on Wednesday to win a pair of tickets to our EXCLUSIVE premiere of Shuga: Love, Sex, Money on the 10^th February.

A competition was launched to get @MTVShuga fans and followers to submit their very own #ThatShugaMoment… with a chance to win tickets to the exclusive launch of Shuga: Love, Sex, Money premiere which is taking place in Nairobi, Kenya on 10th February 2012.

FYI #ThatShugaMoment is defined as:

“@MTVShuga: #ThatShugaMoment = a moment when YOU have been required to make a split second decision around an issue relevant to #Shuga #LoveSexMoney”

The competition went viral – Within minutes #ThatShugaMoment was trending in Nairobi, Kenya and within an hour it was the #2 Trending Topic on Twitter Worldwide!

The day ended with over 2,000 people tweeting their own #ThatShugaMoment with a mix of serious, creative and straight up funny entries to the competition.

@MTVShuga have selected their top 10 #ThatShugaMoment tweets and now want YOU to vote for your favourite – and decide on who YOU think should win the tickets…

To VOTE go to http://mtvshuga.com/2012/01/thatshugamoment-%E2%80%93-vote-for-your-favourite/

Let the voting commence

You may remember us calling out for applicants on our Facebook and Twitter platforms back in November to get you all to apply to be part of the drafting committee -well after a grueling interview process the final 10 young people to be part of Team CrowdOutAIDS have been chosen.

The role of the CrowdOutAIDS drafting committee will be to bring all of the great crowdsourced ideas that YOU put forward and transform them into an objective, clear and actionable plan that UNAIDS should adhere to when engaging and working with young people.

So where next for the new recruits?

The CrowdOutAIDS drafting committee will spend the next couple of weeks in training in analyzing data, and training in the different tools used to create the UNAIDS strategy – and the best thing is it will all be done online via Google Docs.

If you want to play a part in this process you can! You will be able to make comments and have an input in the strategy as it is drafted in real time

And keep an eye out on the CrowdOutAIDS platform where you will soon be able to suggest specific actions to be included int the UNAIDS strategy which will be implemented between 2012-2015.

So props to UNAIDS who are entering exciting times and allowing young people to really drive their strategy on youth and HIV.

Make sure you check out, (and follow) the global CrowdOutAIDS team below:

Tsoarelo Molapo, Lesotho @tsoarelo

Tšoarelo Molapo is a ‘contradiction in terms;’- a lawyer in the making from the mountain kingdom of Lesotho with a weakness for shoes and amusement parks!

She has a keen interest in HIV related issues; humanitarian law, in particular; refugee law and strangely, taxation law. She also enjoys reading and travelling.

She holds a B Soc Sci. in Psychology and Organisational Psychology from the University of Cape Town and an LLB (Law) degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and is hopefully enrolling for a Masters degree in International Tax Law in September of 2012.

Dzhura Alexey, Russia @dzhuralex

Twenty four years old Alexey is currently a post-graduate student, studying linguistics. He is very active and has been managing and implementing different activities on HIV prevention among youth for four years. He currently works with an NGO in Russia, as a volunteer and as a staff. His experience also includes interning at UNFPA CO. In March 2011, he participated in Mali Youth Summit. “Now I am representative of my country at Global Youth Peer Education Network (Y-PEER) – focal point in charge, and I attempt to make some changes, to find solutions and to be helpful.”

Folake Soetan, Nigeria @FolakeSoetan

Folake is an aspiring Consultant in Global Health with a drive for improving health systems and making healthcare accessible to all. She received her B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Oregon in 2008 and after graduating, spent time working at the National Institutes of Health, USA.

On returning to Nigeria in 2009, she spent two years organising corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities for two leading healthcare companies while handling numerous public relations and media projects. Folake assisted with the development of ‘Doctors on Air’ the medical radio programme and coordinated the inaugural ‘Doctors on Air’ Medical Mission which mobilised top clinics in Nigeria to provide a variety of medical services to underprivileged populations in Lagos. She is currently pursuing a master’s in Global Health and Development at University College London, UK.

Patrick Chui, Hong Kong, China @patrickchui

Patrick received a Master’s Degree in Social Policy and Social development in 2011, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology in 2009. He is currently studying Master of Social Sciences in Social Work. He has experience working in social services for sexual minorities in a Hong Kong-based NGO.

Benedicte Kouassi Kouassi, Cote d’Ivoire @KouassiNina

Benedicte is a young HIV activist from Cote d’Ivoire who works at the Executive Secretariat of the West African Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS. Her work there is focused around project proposal writing, translation, research and liaising with English speaking countries. She focuses on stigma and discrimination against PLHA, Sexual and reproductive health, Human and Children rights, and Education. Benedicte graduated from the University of Abidjan Cocody with a double major in English and linguistics where she studied organizational behavior and management in relation with language use. She also holds a certificate of social Entrepreneurship from the University of Connecticut Global Training and Development Institute. She enjoys reading, researching and networking.

Zahra Benyahia, Algeria @zahrabenyahia

Zahra, also called Zaz by friends, is a 23 years old graduate with a major in Hotels management and Spanish. Her favorite hobbies are culinary art, photography and writing.  She lives in Algeria, dedicating a lot of her time (working) on causes in social life in the fields of HIV response, peer education, media, youth activities, programming and advocacy.

“Most of people describe me as a trustworthy and challenging girl. I like to give the best of me to what I believe in and I am always inspired by the small things that everyone holds inside of him. My biggest dream is to see the citizenship spirit in each one’s behavior.“

John Murray, Canada @YAHAnet

John is the 28-year-old coordinator of Youth, the Arts, HIV and AIDS Network (YAHAnet), a global virtual platform for arts-based awareness and advocacy. John works with a team of student interns to produce online HIV awareness campaigns and to hold creative advocacy events in Montréal, Canada. YAHAnet was honoured to host a collage workshop and a photo activity on youth rights related to sexuality and HIV at the 2010 International AIDS Conference in Vienna. John is a graduate of the International Development Studies program at McGill University in Montréal. He has been involved in social justice theatre and has also worked for a Canadian Darfur and Sudan advocacy organisation. John is a part-time copy editor and enjoys web design, sports, community theatre, and making music.

Medha Sharma, Nepal @shmedha

Medha, 22, a public health graduate from Pokhara University, is currently working as Program Coordinator of YUWA, a youth led and youth run organization in Nepal. She has been working on the issues of adolescent SRHR and HIV in grassroots and national level, particularly in advocacy, along with program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. She is supporting group of young activists working for policy advocacy in Nepal through YUWA in partnership with Advocates for Youth. She has prepared policy brief on Youth SRHR and HIV policies in Nepal. She has worked in tracking international commitment made by government on SRH and HIV & AIDS like UNGASS, ICPD and MDG. She is also involved in youth activism in Global Fund.

Manuel Rosas-Vazquez, Mexico @manuelrvqz

Manuel has as experience working with the government in Mexico, in the State of Puebla, as advisor in International Affairs. Most recently, he worked for the climate change department, as well in the local government. “I am also a Teacher for college students, in the fields of International negotiations, trade and translation.”

Twenty-eight years old Manuel studied International Relations, majoring in International Politics. He says, “I am really excited to be part of this project and make a difference.”

Andre Robb, Jamaica @robbizle7

Twenty-four years old Andre has worked for the government and civil society on Youth Development, HIV programmes and comprehensive sexuality education programmes in Jamaica.

Andre’s advocacy in his country allows him to represent young people on local and international committees and working groups. He is now committed to building social innovation and social entrepreneurship among young Caribbean change makers.

So what do you think of the team? And what do you think of UNAIDS decision to let young people drive their strategy around HIV?

In additional to the long anticipated six-part sequel – Shuga: Love, Sex, Money being launched on February 14th 2012, (yes that is Valentine’s day!) We are also proud to announce that we will be launching Shuga Radio to run concurrently with the series.

Shuga Radio will aim to go deeper into some of the messages in Shuga: Love, Sex, Money and appeal to both rural and urban young people. While it aims to compliment the TV series it will be delivered as a standalone show and translated into several different languages – so there is a potential to reach an audience far beyond the traditional TV viewers in Nairobi, Kenya.

Exciting times!

Check out the post below from Kevin Oyugi (aka @NateKev) who was part of the 4 day workshops in which participants from all over Africa worked on developing the scripts to the show.

“You may not realize how much goes into the making of an idea or concept unless you are part of the process.”

As part of the Shuga Radio workshop, participants from the likes of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Lesotho, Kenya, and Tanzania were split into two groups, one to tackle the script writing of the radio drama series, and the other to handle another equally exciting project, a magazine show, set to be concurrent with the launch of the series.

The first group, under professional script writer Mel Harris, had to tackle the core development of the plot and build on each character trait of the stars, making them real so that listeners could relate to them and feel they are real people. Rising Stars Dorcas, Arnold and Portia were assigned to this group.

“The biggest question you should ask yourselves is: What If?” Mel told the attendants, as she went on, “Character is based on three principles; action, story and engagement.”

The second group, under experienced editor and journalist Russell Crewe took a crash course in becoming excellent journalists. Rising Stars Kevin and Julie were part of this group. They dealt with training on preparing interviews, developing features, taking vox pops and reporting safely as Russell listed ways in which journalists should be responsible in not just their work, but in the way they take care of themselves.

A section of the Shuga Radio workshop participants from around the continent also got the opportunity to record in studio, as they visited Homeboyz Entertainment. At a point, the Lesothans and South Africans broke into song as each group celebrated the diversity of their cultures.

The radio workshop was an amazing experience! We can’t wait for Shuga Radio to hit the airwaves so stay tuned and be sure to let us know what you think when you hear it

What did you think of Kevin’s post? What do you think are the benefits of radio as opposed to TV when it comes to sexual health messaging?

The context in which sex education is taught has always extended beyond the classroom. From conversations with friends, to TV and movies, to the endless sea of information available on the internet, young people now have more avenues through which to learn about sex and relationships than ever before.

It’s no surprise that young people across the world can find state-sponsored sex education in schools a bit of a cringe-worthy ordeal. Learning about the intricacies of sexual behaviour, as well as the risks and dangers it can bring, in a stuffy classroom surrounded by your peers and under the judgemental eyes of a teacher is not an ideal scenario in which to encourage honest discussion and open debate.

In America, it seems a substantial group of young people and social workers have taken this realisation to heart, and started to explore alternative avenues for sexual enlightenment. The New York Times recently reported on a wave of technologically-savvy sex education sweeping communities across the United States.

In the US of A, organisations like ICYC (In Case You’re Curious) are offering teenagers an anonymous, instant and illuminating way of getting those burning questions about sex and relationships answered. The service provides text message answers to young people’s enquiries, which many American teenagers have found to be a far more appealing option than going though the embarrassment of quizzing a parent or teacher on issues of a sexual nature.

Whilst curriculums in schools across the world vary hugely in quality and accessibility, there seems to be a sense of agreement amongst young people that’s it’s time to bring sex education into the modern age.  The internet and modern technology have the potential to provide a wealth of information to young people who want to know the facts of all matters love and lust related, and it’s important that we learn to harness that power, and provide young people with a relevant and engaging platform that speaks to them, instead of alienating them.

The internet as a platform has always had its set-backs as well as advantages, and many concerns have been raised that alternative online sex education resources don’t have to follow the same guidelines and regulations enforced by government departments in the way that schools do. Plus, you can bet your bottom dollar that if you Google the word ’sex’ the first few hundred things that appear on the screen aren’t exactly going to have the principles of education at their heart.

Despite the unreliability of the internet as a source of public information, a brave new wave of innovative technological platforms and initiatives that aim to shed some much-needed light on those all-important sexual matters is a welcome change in the tide. If the internet can be a place where young people can connect on a global level and talk honestly and openly about the joys and pains of sexual experience, I think we should open the flood gates.

The greatest thing technology has the power to unlock, is not just information, it’s connection. If young people around the world can share their experiences and anxieties around sexual life on a digital platform that operates outside the cultural, religious and authoritarian barriers often enforced by the classroom, the world might just be a better place.

So we ask YOU: Where do/did you get most of your information around sex?

And do you agree that online and mobile resources will have a positive impact on enhancing sex education for young people?

A US Boarding School recently rejected a 13-year-old honor student. Why? He is HIV+

The Milton Hershey School’s recent rejection of a 13 year old, honor student is a blatant act of discrimination. It is no different than racism, anti-Semitism, and homophobia, especially because the boy poses NO threat to the other students on a day-to-day basis. If the administration knew anything about the disease, they would know that HIV is a blood-born illness that can only be transmitted through bodily fluids.

The school’s reasoning for how the student poses a threat is utterly ridiculous, and illustrates how the administration is finding any excuse to keep the boy out of their school. Their reasoning? The fear that he might have unprotected sex. Unprotected sex? Really? I wasn’t aware that sex was a day-to-day activity in private schools. If that’s the case at Milton Hershey School, then they have bigger problems to worry about. The school has no business involving itself in the sexual lives of their students anyway. For all they know, students they let enroll in their school could be having unprotected sex and putting themselves at risk.

In the past, there have been controversies about schools prohibiting HIV positive students from playing sports because of the possibility of getting injured and coming in contact with blood (which is still ridiculous because the risk of being infected by limited blood contact is low). I would respect that reasoning more than Milton Hershey School’s reasoning because at least theirs is based on scientific facts, misinterpreted facts nonetheless, but still facts.

The worst part of this situation, however, is the perpetuation of the stigma associated with HIV.  An administrator publicly stated, “The reason is simple. We are serving children, and no child can be assumed to always make responsible decisions which protect the well-being of others.” This is a common stereotype associated with HIV infected individuals. Many people believe HIV positive individuals contracted the disease from having multiple sexual partners, being irresponsible by having unprotected sex, or by drug use. They forget that HIV can be transmitted by blood transfusions, which could happen to anybody.

The sad part is this bright young man has to live with this stigma attached to him forever. He will already have to live with people “discretely” avoiding hand shaking or coming in close contact with him. But the school blatantly told the boy that he is unworthy and incapable of living a normal life. The actions of the administrators are extremely heartbreaking, disgraceful, and illegal. My only hope is that this promising boy perseveres through all of this.

Sarah Cotenoff is a graduate student studying Media Studies. When not studying hard, she enjoys hanging out with her Grandma and watching Price is Right and Judge Judy.

What a sad state of  affairs – that days after #WorldAIDSDay  levels of stigma, discrimination and ignorance are being shown by an educational establishment – which coincidently focuses on providing opportunities for disadvantaged teenagers.

However while there are real negatives that naturally come out of a case like this there is also a unique opportunity for Milton Hershey School to change their views and set an example to others who share their viewpoint while the eyes of the public are on them.

We reached out to our ambassador Shawn Decker who has been living with HIV for over ten years now to ask his opinion on the incident and he directed us to the below post that he had just written for POZ.com.

Have a read and let us know what you think on the matter…

The Milton Hershey School, a private boarding school that provides an educational opportunity for disadvantaged teenagers, has denied a potential student based solely on his HIV status. A lawsuit has been filed, and the story was given legs due to the lawsuit’s timing- which was filed last week the day before World AIDS Day.

CNN picked up the story and interviewed the boy’s lawyer.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The school released a statement explaining that they have to be concerned with the health of the rest of their students, explaining that sexual activity does occur on their premises and that 1,800 students would be put at risk.  On Twitter and on Facebook, former students of Milton Hershey are coming to the school’s defense. It’s much like home team sports fans, who’s only loyalty to a team is the fact they were born in the city the team plays out of. Some of the former students responses are so short-sighted: that the school can’t be wrong because they learned there.  The most laughable thing I saw on Twitter was someone posting that everyone is stupid to be up in arms about the school’s decision, to the effect of, “It’s not just a school- students have to LIVE there!”

It’s not risky. This student is not a threat.  The school’s concern speaks volumes about their lack of sexual education on the premises. There is a fear of teenage behavior that is quite revealing, it’s almost as if they are saying that teens are out of control and it’s just too risky to have someone with HIV around.  It’s very sad.  Of course I can relate to the boy because of my own experience of being denied schooling because of my HIV status.  Even though his identity is anonymous at this point, the story is out there and I hope it’s not too traumatizing for him.

My hope is that the Milton Hershey School accepts the science of the situation and changes their position.  It would be a great learning experience for an institution that has provided such for so many.  It’s not too late- they could not only educate their current students about sexual health in the process, but also educate their former students on the virtues of compassion and the reality that we are all capable of making errors in judgement.

And correcting them.

Positively Yours,
Shawn.

OK you’re going to have to wait until February 14th 2012 before you can see episode one but the promo for Shuga: Love, Sex, Money is here!

And the sequel to Shuga – the explosive drama coming out of Nairobi, Kenya is exploring more characters and plots and is going to be bigger than ever – amounting to 6 episodes this time around.

But don’t take our word for it! Check out the video below and make sure you are the first of your friends to share it and add your 2 cents.

Click here to view the embedded video.

So what do you think? Did you enjoy the promo? Let us know your thoughts below…

I found out I was positive March of 2010. I got a call on my cell in between classes from my doctors office, “I needed to come to their office as soon as possible, to speak with Dr. Smith.” Instead of waiting the day out, I called my friend Mario and asked if he’d take me up there. We headed that way within thirty minutes of the call. Neither of us really let on what we already knew. I had blood drawn for a HIV test the week before.

When we got to my doctors office, I was let into a room pretty quickly which is unusual. Sitting there I already had the answer I was about to get, I was HIV positive. The doctor confirmation felt like someone knocked the wind out of me, “Brad, all the results came back, you don’t have any STD’s. But I do have to tell you that your HIV positive.” Shock set in and the room got heavy and as my doctor and his aide described this virus, a virus I will have for the rest of my life, I didn’t hear a word. I watched his mouth move. I nodded. I couldn’t listen to his words. All I could think about was the stigma. The people I would have to tell and the possibility that I could HAVE infected people that I love. My heart was inundated with thoughts of death and dying.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve spoken to many other positive people who have had similar situations. Usually, like me, you get the information you need in the follow up meeting with your doctor and they look at your blood work and figure out the best course of treatment. But in all honesty, I still didn’t get it. I’m not a doctor and I think sometimes medical professionals forget that. This new disease needs to be described in layman’s terms, so those of us who didn’t go to medical school can understand what’s happening to our bodies.

So, that’s what I’ll do here, describe HIV, AIDS and some of the other need-to-know basics in a way that I would understand and hopefully you will too:

HIV is a disease that fights your bodies immune system, specifically blood cells, know as T-Cells. The loss of T-Cells can eventually lead to AIDS.

AIDS can occur after someone has been infected with the HIV virus. HIV can destroy enough of your T-Cells to open your body up to other diseases it would usually be able to ward off. Medical professionals call these ‘opportunistic’ diseases or tumors.

Scary stuff. Ten years ago, due to lack of information, medication and proper treatment, HIV could lead to AIDS within years. Many people died in the 80’s and 90’s but now with numerous, successful medications (antiviral medications) a lot of people live long, healthy lives with HIV.

AIDS isn’t and shouldn’t be a worry as long as you stay on the medications your doctor prescribes, keep in touch with your doctor for regular blood checks and follow safe sex and  preventive measures. I started my medication cocktail (a mixture of different antivirals) and within six months my viral load (the amount of the virus in your body) and T-Cell count (your immune system) have me at an undetectable level, which basically means I am not contagious and will stay that way as long as I follow my doc’s orders, stay safe and on my meds.

What do you think of Brad’s post?

Brad talks about the advancement in treatment and his ability to lead a long and healthy life – do you think these kind of messages are put out there enough when we talk about HIV? Let us know your thoughts…

This is exciting news! As part of our MTV Come Together campaign with Kenneth Cole – Our friends at LifeStyles Condoms have pledged to donate condoms to SAF’s grass roots projects, for every retweet of #ComeTogether we receive on #WorldAIDSDay

So here’s the deal – if you want to do something this #WorldAIDSDay which is going to have an impact – get your tweet on and retweet #ComeTogether mentioning @MTVStayingAlive on December 1^st and every tweet will see a condom donated to SAF’s youth-led organisations, who are at the forefront of HIV awareness in their communities.

MTV’s Come Together Campaign honours the landmark discovery of AIDS 30 years ago, by partnering with amfAR chairman and fashion designer Kenneth Cole, who has redesigned the iconic red AIDS ribbon. The ribbon, now a double red loop, symbolises the increased or doubled global efforts to fight the spread of HIV. The campaign is supported by a provocative PSA aired on MTV channels globally throughout December.

A challenge many SAF grantees face is educating and ensuring safe sex is practised within their local communities. All too often condom use is surrounded by myths and stigma and in some areas the sheer inaccessibility of condoms means young people have no choice but to go without.

We’d like to send out a massive shout out to LifeStyles Condoms for making this commitment and in advance for all of you who retweet – with a big online push SAF projects worldwide will reap the benefits and empower young people to make informed and safe choices.

So let’s get tweeting! #ComeTogether

Tomorrow, December 1^st,  marks  #WorldAIDSDay– it’s also the 30^th anniversary of the discovery of AIDS. Granted it’s not the type of anniversary we usually celebrate – but why not use this #WorldAIDSDay as an opportunity to do something positive and pay homage to the 30 million people who we have lost their lives to AIDS.

Don’t worry – I’m not suggesting you brave the December weather and do something in person, (well you could, but you don’t have to). In today’s world where it seems we communicate across social media platforms more than we actually communicate in “real life” – I am more focussed on what the global clictivism collective can do to make #WorldAIDSDay THE online event of December 1^st.

Below I have put together a list of 5 things YOU can do from the comfort of your own house this  #WorldAIDSDay:

1. Come Together with MTV – I thought coming together only happened in Hollywood – not this #WorldAIDSDay. Our friends over at MTV Come Together – have launched a campaign with fashion designer Kenneth Cole and a host of celebrities to re-interpret the classic red AIDS ribbon to mark 30 years of HIV. You can buy it here. Check out #ComeTogether for more info so get tweeting!

2. Watch the live #ShugaTalks simulcast. If you don’t know already, Shuga is an uber edgy urban drama based in Nairobi, Kenya. The show tackles issues like sex, seduction and HIV prevention before anyone else in Kenya dared to in 2009 – now it’s back, and this time it’s international! Join an audience with the cast in a live screening and discussion between Nairobi, Kenya and Washington DC check out the official website for more info.

3. Add your 2 cents to #CrowdoutAIDS – UNAIDS have launched a crowdsourced platform which empowers YOU to be a part of the UNAIDS‘ new strategy on youth and HIV – so get your thinking cap on and throw your hat into the crowdsourced debate and engage in conversation about the key issues young people face when it comes to HIV/AIDS.s

4. Make #WorldAIDSDay trend on twitter – This really is one of the easiest ways to make your voice heard on December 1^st – throw your tweet finger up and shout out #WorldAIDSDay to let your friends and followers know what time it is. If enough people support the cause, we will be trending in no time for all to see.

5. And finally… Support Run The World – “One girl. Two feet. Seven continents.” Enough said? I recently found out an old friend by the name of Candie has decided to run 7 marathons in 7 continents to raise money for HIV and AIDS. No small feat especially for someone so tiny – you can check out her video and donate to the cause right here.