Names Behind the Numbers

The statistics for AIDS are staggering: 8,000 people die each day from AIDS; 40.3 million people live with HIV and AIDS; and 15 million children are AIDS orphans. Still, what brings life to these numbers are the stories of real people.

Jessie, 11, is a bright girl who dreams of becoming a doctor. Benson, Benwell, Chimwemwe, Lute, Yosofati, and Kunthati are her six friends in Malawi who are dealing with HIV and AIDS in their lives and in their community.

These children are the focus of two new HIV and AIDS educational resources called Circle of Friends (grades 4-8) and Strength to Strength (grades 9-12). In these resources, the children share their personal stories about the effects of HIV and AIDS on their lives, their families, and their community.

Canadian teacher Marjory Hammond had the opportunity to meet Jessie and her friends when she travelled with World Vision to their country. The resilience and spirit of a community devastated by HIV and AIDS touched her. "During my stay in Malawi, I met such generous and joyful people. Everywhere I went I was greeted with singing and smiles. Here were families who had suffered losses that I cannot even imagine, and they still found it in their hearts to hope."

When Marjory showed the DVDs at a school assembly, the students were touched by the stories because they were so powerful. "Even the toughest of students were moved by the Circle of Friends," she says.

Her advice for Canadian educators looking for ways to explore issues of HIV and AIDS with their students is simple: "Just go for it… Your students will astound you with their insights and their compassion… It is important that we prepare them to be the informed and compassionate leaders of tomorrow."

Undoubtedly, Marjory's special experience with the children featured in the two educational resources identified people behind the numbers and lifted true stories out of statistics.

Click here to order Circle of Friends and Strength to Strength. Each comes with a DVD and a study guide full of useful HIV and AIDS lessons and activities.

Marjory Hammond travelled with World Vision to Malawi in March 2005.