Listen to the voices of children affected by HIV/AIDS

From 5-9 August 2009, 72 children attended the 6th Annual UNICEF/China National Committee for the Care of Children (CNCCC) Summer Camp for Children Affected by AIDS in Beijing(Summer Camp nurtures dreams for children affected by HIV/AIDS). Among other activities, the campers were encouraged to voice their dreams and concerns during a participatory training organized by UNICEF staff about the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Let's listen to their voices.

On studies, they say:

"My family is poor and I'm always worried about where to get the money to continue my studies. I hope my schooling fees could be cut.

"I live so far away from school. Every morning I have to walk one hour to go to class. How nice would it be if I could have a bicycle!"

"Mom and dad passed away and I live with my grand parents who can't read or write. I hope I could have someone to turn to when I don't know how to do my homework, or a learning machine."

"I hope I could have more friends at school without worrying about stigma."

On life, they say:

"My village is so poor and many of my classmates have dropped out of school. I'm concerned about them."

"We don't have enough food. I hate to be starving."

"AIDS took mom and dad away and I don't know who's going to take care of me if grandma gets sick."

"Grandma comes back late sometimes and no one cooks for me. I hope my neighbors and relatives could come to help."

On health, they say:

"Mom keeps working though she's on treatment so that I could pay my tuition fees at university. I do want to make a good life for her but I don't know if she is still alive when I graduate."

"I want to be a good doctor when I grow up so as to treat all the people like dad."

"I hope all the children with HIV could get treatment and grow up smoothly."

On participation, they say:

"I know mom loves me and I know she's sick, but I dare not talk to her about it because she'll feel hurt."

"We know people do want to help us in most cases, but sometimes they just don't know what we need and we have to do things as they like. We don't like it."

"I want to be a volunteer to help others when I grow up."

We all hope:

More children like us can come to the summer camp;
Our families can stay healthy;
We can grow up in a caring family;
We can go to school without concerns;
We can turn to someone for help when in trouble;
And we can all realize our dreams!

Thank you to all who support us!