As some of you know, I have a huge heart for Africa and know that one day I will spend my days somewhere with the people of Africa. Well, I just heard about this program called HERO, developed by Tampax and Always, to provide comprehensive school-based support to orphans and vulnerable children living in these HIV/AIDS-affected African communities. They work with schools in Ethiopia, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia where kids can receive basic care and services such as food programs, clean water, counseling and visiting nurses.
You can find more info on HERO by checking these links.
HERO is dedicated to bringing together teens to get involved and help improve education, health care, HIV/AIDS prevention and life skills for kids and teens around the world.
In the summer of 2006, a group of 11 amazing teens did just that. As the first-ever HERO Youth Ambassadors, they gave up their summer vacations to work together with Africans in HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Namibia and South Africa.
In 2007, a new group of 24 HERO Youth Ambassadors made the journey. Check out the ’07 Youth Ambassadors and watch some of their adventures….
HERO is now looking for 20 students (ages 16-19) from across the US and Canada to be selected as 2008 HERO Youth Ambassadors. Students chosen will travel to Africa in 2008. I wish I could go!
Did you know that more than 12 million African children have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS, and the number is expected to grow to 20 million by 2010? Those are staggering numbers, and I hope you will join me in making a difference. Please visit beinggirl to find out how to get involved. If you know a teen who would be a perfect Youth Ambassador, please pass on the word. If you don’t know anyone who would be interested in applying, there are other ways to get involved, too.
