Delhi’s refugees take the lead in spreading AIDS awareness

The rally started with Yuva Beats,a band formed by young Afghan refugees,playing popular Hindi numbers. “We are doing our bit for the campaign with our performance. This is to attract more people to join a social cause,” said Khalid,a member of the band.

“I do not know why people are shy of talking about the use of condoms. We are shouting out loud for them to hear,” said Hamid,another Afghan refugee. “We are refugees,we have lived through hard times,we know what loss of life means. Even being outsiders we want to be an integral part of this society,we want to help in whatever way we can to create awareness,” said Asmar,a student at Don Bosco Ashalayam.

“We hope we are successful in putting our message across. We want them to know about safe sex,” added a Somali refugee.

Asked about the purpose of roping in refugees for the rally,event manager Selin said: “The refugee community is very vulnerable. They go through a lot. This rally is just a way to educate them on the whole issue”. She added: “It is a creative way of putting your message across. If you make it colourful and interesting then it becomes easier for us to make them understand the hazards of it and what precautions they need to take.”

To mark AIDS awareness week,Don Bosco Ashalayam has also organised sessions,movie screenings,quiz competitions and a red ribbon programme. “Don Bosco,in association with UNHCR,has set up English language centres,counselling,computer classes and various income generation activities for refugees,” said Selin.

The reporter is a student of Express Institute of Media Studies