December 1st we commemorated International AIDS Day here in Mozambique. Given the extremely high HIV prevalence rates in the country (over 15% nationally within the adult population and close to 25% here in our border district) the days activities are somber and recognized by all the authorities and activists in the community. We began the day with a march down main street to the local AIDS memorial where the distract official laid a wreath in remembrance of all who have perished in the epidemic, as we sang the national anthem, which we have now memorized since we sing it every morning we teach classes. The cold wet weather did not discourage those present from singing or dancing or passing out condoms. We continued to celebrate with speeches, skits and songs while people volunteered to be tested and learn their HIV status. We concluded with a small lunch and Mozambique´s favorite soft drinks, Coca Cola and orange Fanta. It is sometimes hard to believe that HIV/AIDS is so prevalent here, people don´t look sick and no one talks about it, but reminders are everywhere: the omnipresent red ribbons painted on public spaces, announcements on TV, radio and billboards, and most poignantly, all the recently-filled graves in the cemetery with youths born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. We have been working hard to incorporate HIV/AIDS messages into our school lessons and strategizing on how best to contribute in reducing this scourge which has so deeply decimated the southern region in Africa.
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