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Students, leaders and the community joined in the walk/run bringing awareness to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
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On Sunday, November 30th, the Women Issues Network (WIN-Belize) team, along with the Torch of Hope, made their way to “La Isla Bonita” and paraded the streets. This effort was made to unite the community towards one sole purpose, join in the fight against the stigma and discrimination of HIV/AIDS and domestic violence.
Through their 16 days of activism campaign under the theme “Silence has a price,” WIN Belize has been holding Torch Runs, as well as, facilitating health conferences to increase awareness against HIV/AIDS and gender based violence and to empower families throughout the country. And this year, the San Pedro AIDS Commission joined forces with WIN-Belize to also hold its annual World AIDS Day Solidarity Walk in conjunction with the Torch Run. Eager students from the Roman Catholic School, New Horizon, Holy Cross, Isla Bonita, San Pedro High School, and San Pedro Junior College, councilors and key island figures made it out for the start of the run at Central Park. The congregate then made its way down the principal streets of town; determined to keep the flame burning, the schools that participated accepted to carry the Torch through the route. Everyone walked through the town’s main streets carrying the Torch high showing their commitment to breaking the silence and raising awareness on the link that exists between HIV/AIDS and gender based violence. With the unfailing support from the community, the Torch Run 2008 was well received once again on the island.
After the parade, an all day health fair was held at the Central Park as a fund raiser for the San Pedro AIDS Commission. Medical practitioners were on hand to carry out free rapid HIV/AIDS testing and several individuals opted to take part in the initiative.
WIN Belize, which was formed in 1993, is a service oriented network organization that coordinates and facilitates workshops and activities that deal with women issues. The fourteen member agency comprised mainly of members of B.F.L.A (Belize Family Life Association) and Y.E.S (Youth Enhancement Services) not only deals with women issues, but youth and children, as well. On behalf of The San Pedro Sun, and WIN-Belize, hats off and many thanks to the lively group of students from all the schools that participated in the run and everybody that showed support for the cause!
The Torch of Hope started in Caye Caulker on November 18th where it then made its way to Dangriga on December 1st in respect to World AIDS Day. The Torch moved to Belmopan on Wednesday, December 3rd and will culminate in Corozal on December 6th with a rally and health fair.
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