Homes are very important for the well-being and development of young people. Many young people in this country and all around the world are not cared for by people who love them and think of their well-being. This may arise for a great variety of reasons:

• Parents being unable to look after children adequately
• Children leaving home because of physical or emotional abuse
• Parents dead

In Uganda many children are orphans due to the virus which causes AIDS. Many of the children are also HIV+. Up to 40% of the population is infected with HIV and in some villages it can be as high as 90%. 4 out of every 10 children born in one hospital visited by UK Scouts were said to be born with AIDS. Many will all die before they are 5 years old.

Ask the Cub Scouts to imagine what a tragedy it would be if half their school mates were to die within a few years.

That happens as normal life in Uganda and many other African countries.

Ask your Cub Scouts to imagine what hard work it would be if their 14 year old brother or sister had the job of caring for the family, earning money, cooking food, paying for their education.

Many young children in Uganda only know that sort of family life.

 

If Akela was to unwrap a condom in front of the Cub Scouts and describe what its purpose is then Akela might well be criticised by parents.

In Uganda there is not a child of 9 or 10 who is in school who does not know about why men need to wear condoms.

It is not an embarassing subject, it is as much a life saver in Uganda as an asprin is a cure for a headache in the UK.

People die every day in Uganda. All Ugandan children are familiar with death.

This has resulted in further pressure on communities who are already struggling to develop and overcome disease and the shortage of food.

It is usually not appropriate for people with AIDS to be looked after in hospitals so agencies are working to enable people to be looked after in their own communities. Support often needs to be given to grandparents who now have the responsibility of bringing up their grandchildren.

Activity - Family Care

Ask the Cub Scouts to mime an activity which might take place in a family. For example:

• caring from someone who is sick
• looking after a young child
• helping someone who is old
• helping mum, dad or another adult with something such as cooking or cleaning

AIDS Education

Here is an example of information given to people in Uganda to help them care for relatives with AIDS.

Families are very important for people with HIV or AIDS. The family home can be a shelter:

• Where someone can rest assured that they are loved and accepted.
• Where they don't have to be brave or hide their feelings.

If you have HIV or AIDS, it is usually good for your family to know:

• They can give you love and support.
• You can make plans for the future.
• They can share the financial burden.
• It will be easier for you if you do not have to hide your situation.

If someone in your family has HIV or Aids you can help them in many ways.

• You can help them to rest by doing household jobs for them.
• You can help them to eat nutritious food by going to the market and cooking for them.
• You can help dispel their fear by making them feel loved.

If someone in your family is sick with AIDS you can:

• Bring them food and drink.
• Wash their clothes and sheets.
• Nurse them.