An energetic group of about 200 high school students took the afternoon off and "took charge" on the streets in an Aids awareness march. The theme of the march was "Youths Taking Charge Against HIV and Aids." The students from Wesley College, St. Michael's College, Gwen Lizarraga High, and E.P. Yorke marched under the banner of the Belize Family Life Association. Organizers Adriani Coleman and Rashid Murillo led the march.
Adriana Coleman, BFLA
"We're trying to raise awareness about HIV and Aids in Belize. So we are inviting out the young people because we would like for them to get interested and find out the information that they need to find out about HIV and Aids."
Rashid Murillo,
"By marching we are showing solidarity that we know that young people are affected by this epidemic and giving them the opportunity to make their mark. By having this march we are showing the adults that we want to make a difference."
Keith Swift,
Who was invited to participate?
Adriana Coleman,
"We invited all schools in Belize City."
Keith Swift,
Are you satisfied with the turnout?
Adriana Coleman,
"I have to say quite frankly we are disappointed with the turnout because we are trying to raise awareness. we are trying to promote abstinence and condom use and some of the schools, I don't know what was their hang up really, I think that they are scared of...I don't know if marching in this parade that they think that these young people would catch HIV or go out and have sex. What we are doing is we are promoting awareness and getting out the facts before they go and have sex."
The march ended with an awareness rally at the Belize Center.
