Local charity takes to the streets to urge everyone in Jersey to learn the facts about HIV
- 05 June 2010
Local charity ‘AIDS Care Education and Training’ (ACET) is challenging everyone in Jersey to ‘get protected’ against HIV.
On the afternoon of Wednesday June 2nd, ACET workers were joined by a team of HIV Champions from Standard Chartered Bank at a stand in St Helier where everyone had an opportunity to take a quiz specially designed to test their knowledge and unveil common myths surrounding HIV and AIDS. The initiative was part of ACET Jersey’s ‘HIV in Jersey: It is real, it is here. Take Responsibility’ campaign, which is sponsored by Standard Chartered.
Everyone who entered the quiz at the stand on the day, or who collected a paper copy and returned it by post, and scoreed a mark higher than 80% was entered into a draw to win a brand new Apple iPad, donated by Standard Chartered.
The quiz accompanied a series of film clips which together form an ‘Anti-HIVirus Software’ package, all of which is available online at www.acet.je. The resource is a global initiative developed by Standard Chartered to provide young people with the facts about HIV in an entertaining and accessible way, with the films featuring a number of animated characters, such as Mr HIV. The local campaign using these resources was launched in partnership with ACET Jersey to mark World AIDS Day 2009 and continues throughout 2010.
The number of people who score 80% or more and are therefore ‘protected’ will be represented by a pin on an online global map. Almost 100 people who have completed the quiz are currently protected on the map in Jersey.
All secondary schools have been provided with a copy of the resource and Sarah Gray, HIV Educator for ACET Jersey, has been working with them to deliver the ‘Anti-HIVirus Software’ through assemblies and lessons. Sarah has also been using the resource to educate young people on the streets. She explained:
“HIV is a reality for Jersey and complacency needs to be challenged. There is still no cure for the virus and it will continue to be a serious issue which will greatly affect generations to come. ACET Jersey is committed to ensuring that everyone on the island knows the facts about HIV and understands how to protect themselves. We’re asking everyone; Are you protected?”
Richard Ingle, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered in Jersey, commented:
“ACET Jersey does a fantastic job of reaching out to many people in our community and it is vitally important that young people are aware of the issues surrounding HIV. The Anti HIVirus programme is a fun and informative way to learn more about HIV and we encourage people to take a moment next week to have a chat with the team and take the quiz. Standard Chartered is proud to offer its support to this project and is pleased to offer the prize of an iPad to the lucky winner of the draw.”
The stand was opened between 12pm and 4pm on 2nd June on Don Street, between BHS and Accessorize. Anyone who was unable to make it down to Don Street on the day but who wishes to take the quiz will be able to download a copy online at www.acet.je from 2 June.