The Lesson for Life lives on in Brazil

'Aids is strong, but if we all fight against it then together we can win' (Jéssica, Ellen e Nauriene)

'Let us dream and fight so that our dreams become reality, doing our part without waiting for others to make the effort for us. After all, a journey of a thousand leagues starts with a single step'. (Silviana Natieli Silva and Professor Antonio Carlos Beckman)

Thousands of children across Brazil took part in the Lesson for Life between 26 November to 3 December 2004. Lessons in Brazil were lead by youth educators, who had been trained as Lesson for Life facilitators in the previous week. 'These youth are the real guarantee that the campaign will continue', said Melanie Swan of the GMC coalition in Brazil. 'The Lesson for Life lives on!'

The Lesson for Life involved teachers, young people, adults and children, and brought great benefits given that it increased our knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. It raised awareness among young people and identified dialogue within the family as key to changing lives. Teachers of the school 'SOTERO DOS REIS' noted that Lesson for Life Campaign helped the students obtain correct basic information regarding DSTs and AIDS and how these are transmitted. Having gained this knowledge they were able to consider new attitudes with respect to caring for onself. With respect to persons living with HIV/AIDS we hope that the students have developed new attitudes based on respect and non-discrimination. As hoped the lesson for Life campaign had an immediate 'domino' effect, inspiring other campaigns:

'With what we have learnt now, we would like to organize groups to raise awareness amongst children and adolescents of our district as well as to repeat this experience with our parents at home, given that there are few of them that can discuss these issues with us'. (Elton, Jhonorina, Elissandra, Wagner)

Good News… dreams can be made into actions

It is maybe in the dreams and hopes of children and youth that the future eradication of AIDs lies. Participants were asked to write 'Good News' pieces depicting what they wanted changed by December 2005, the hopes were revealing and encouraging:

'Today, 1st December 2005, youths are aware that use of the condom represents the practical method to protect oneself against sexually transmitted diseases and the rates of transmission of HIV have fallen. This has taken place thanks to debates and talks in public schools, institutions, associations and many other locations. The idea came from projects involving youth educators who have been working together with other youth to raise awareness as to how then can protect themselves' (Daniel Victor de Jesus Oliveira)

'There has been a significant reduction in the number of people living with AIDS in 2005. From the moment that we became aware that AIDS is an incurable disease, we sought to inform other youth how they could protect themselves and others, through talks and teaching how to use the condom correctly. After a long period, we can be sure that there have been great advances made. Today, youths and children are teaching lessons for life, fighting against indifference and breaking the silence.' (Geciane F. Cunha)

'Young people will exchange ideas through a chat site called 'Policy Now'. The objective of this site is to discuss ways of demanding [better] health and education.'

It is the hopes of young people that must define campaigns and the humility of other good news participants that is needed in the fight against HIV/AIDS.