| So why is it so important that we continue to remember the work and achievements of Nelson Mandela? Mandela fought relentlessly against social injustice and prejudice in favour of democracy and equality. Repeated abuses of his human rights and a 27 year stretch in prison did little to weaken his passion for the cause. His determination and dedication can be a lesson to us all. If you care about something, then you too have the power to stand up and make a difference to your environment or community. Since retiring from his presidency, Mandela has dedicated much of his time to HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. His children's foundation remembers the plight of children, many of them orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, he uses his name to endorse campaigns that aim to raise awareness of HIV. In 2005, Mandela openly talked about the death of his eldest son as a result of AIDS. Stating that only giving publicity to HIV/AIDS and not hiding it, can we make it appear like a normal illness, as he urged greater involvement in breaking the barriers of stigma and discrimination. Mandela's vision always centered around equality for all, and he upholds this vision in his continued work in the fight against HIV/AIDS. If there is one thing that Nelson Mandela has shown the world, is that one person can make a difference. You do have the power to change the course of this fatal disease. EDUCATE yourself, EMPOWER yourself, PRACTICE safe sex, TALK to your family and friends about it, VOLUNTEER with an organisation, or start a movement of your own, MAKE A DIFFERENCE. You can do something worthwhile RIGHT NOW and join our Facebook Cause. Just click HERE to join the cause and make a stand against HIV and AIDS! STAYING ALIVE is MTV's multi-media HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention campaign, and we believe that young people have the power to help stop the spread of this devastating disease. One of the key ways to fight HIV/AIDS is to raise AWARENESS! In order to educate yourself about HIV and AIDS, we encourage you to make noise and TALK about the issue! Empower yourself and others by educating yourself and then spreading the word! Shouting about the issue not only raises awareness and spreads knowledge, but it helps to reduce the stigma that surrounds the issue. Want to learn more about our campaign? Visit staying-alive.org. Here you'll find heaps of information about HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, safe sex, relationship advice and loads more. |
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