Traditional artistes in fight against HIV/Aids

The Rwandan cultural troupes have pledged to join the ongoing campaign to promote awareness about HIV/AIDS, especially among the youth.The traditional dance troupes made the pledge at a workshop aimed to chart the way forward on what their contribution could be towards the campaign.The workshop which took place on Wednesday attracted several cultural dance troupes from across the country.Participants heard that most Rwandan youth aged between 15-25, especially in the rural areas, lack information and knowledge on how to protect themselves from HIV/Aids and other sexually transmitted infections.Speaking during the opening of the workshop, Alphonse Nkuranga, the Executive Secretary of the National Youth Council, said that the role of artistes in the HIV/Aids awareness campaign is influential.“Cultural dance troupes can entertain their fans and at the same time educate them on different ways they can protect their lives. The youth see artistes as role models that light up their lives thus can influence them into leading a healthy life style,” said Nkuranga.He further said that the youth have to be continuously reminded of how life is valuable and the need to jealously protect it.The campaign is a groundbreaking initiative that brings together artistes, media and businesses to raise awareness of HIV/Aids among rural and urban dwellers.During the workshop, the artistes pledged to always provide a platform to engage the youth and educate them about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.Patrick Mahirwe, a participant at the workshop and also a Dancer with Inganzo Ngari Dance Troupe said that as they promote and sensitise the youth about their culture through dance, his troupe plans to do the same while passing on the HIV/ Aids awareness message.

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Traditional artistes in fight against HIV/Aids