As the AIDS scrounge continues world-wide, so does the need for public education on causes, treatment, and prevention. First year Masters in Social Work students at Amritapuri planned to do their part on World Aids Day by enacting a play on campus. But when they contacted the National AIDS Control Organization, they received so much encouragement that their small project idea grew into a full day of travel to 6 different sites to present their original play in a street drama form.

Street Play

The play has a compelling and emotional beginning that shows how a family affected by AIDS suffers not only the devastating loss of family members, but also cruel rejection and abuse by their village due to misunderstanding. It goes on to answer key questions about the cause, treatment, and prevention of the disease, with one student playing a doctor and another playing a social worker.

The day’s mini tour started at a busy bus stand in Oachira, proceeded south to 2 schools, and 2 hospital grounds, and concluded at a junction of several colleges in Kollam where a large group of college boys gave it their rapt attention followed by a hearty round of applause. At all the stops the students and their faculty distributed informational pamphlets.

The performances were filmed by Amrita TV, holding promise that what started as a small campus education action could eventually contribute significantly to a wider public education campaign.

December 1, 2008
MSW Department, Amritapuri

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