The Kicking AIDS Out! Network has travelled 10 long years. On 23rd August we celebrated this past decade and the people who have been involved, the youth we serve and the organizations we work with. We share with you some thoughts from members, partners and youth leaders on the 10th year of the Kicking AIDS Out! Network.
Ms. Wilhemina Shiikwa (LLII), Program Coordinator at PAY, Namibia: ‘I practically grew up in the Kicking AIDS Out! Network having been a member since the age of 14, I am happy to see that the Network has grown and I am proud of the achievement of the network and its support to the Physically Active Youth (PAY)’ Ms. Carla Thachuk, Commonwealth Games Canada: ‘we are excited to see Kicking AIDS Out moving towards a more international network covering more than Africa. Our focus has been not only supporting the Africa partners but also strengthening regional presence; in particular we have supported the development of the Caribbean regional office which supports the implementation of the concept in organizations throughout the Caribbean region. We are excited to be part of the 10 years celebration and also the planning processes for the future.’
Joanna Knight, International Cooperation Director at UK Sport:“it’s been great to be a part of the 10 year celebrations and I see how the network has developed. UK Sport is committed to supporting the network move forward in the future and work with members to strengthened the network as much as possible.
” Michael Mwaango Director at Edusport Foundation Zambia: ‘I am a product of the Kicking AIDS Out leadership process over the last 10 years, I am excited to have developed into a leader who is influencing and sharing my experience with young people. As Edusport Foundation, being an empowering organization, we are humbled to see our idea spread all over the world and it is being used to influence the lives of youth around the world. We look forward to celebrate another decade with hope’
George Nange Kicking AIDS Out! Network Secretariat: “Having grown through the Kicking AIDS Out! Network Training and Leadership pathway, it has been an honor to be tasked by the Network to coordinate the training and youth development in the network. I have seen tremendous growth among the thousands of young people that have been trained and are currently being trained as they develop to become visionary leaders and taking further steps into making their acquired skills into careers. I am proud to say that I am where I am today because of the network. Many factors may have contributed to my growth, but much is attributed to the trainings, opportunities and capabilities acquired from the network.
” Margaret Eastgate, STOP HIV (Sports Training and Outreach Program on HIV) Program Manager, Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) Fiji: “It was a privileged opportunity to be part of the 10th Anniversary of the Network, meeting some of its pioneers and learning about their journey from back in the day... some of the memories they shared were very inspirational given the challenges they faced, however some were quite humorous – reflecting one of the core principles of the Network’s activities – learning through fun! I am proud to have been trained by a Network that has contributed immensely to the development of our young people spanning across the continents”.
Chris Middleton Sportanddev.org: 'In the last decade, the Kicking AIDS Out network has groomed hundreds of youth, providing them with Creative means to tackle HIV/AIDS in their respective communities. Some of these individuals have become the pillars of leading sport for Development organisations, and the Kicking AIDS Out! Network has greatly contributed to the growth of these young people.'
For more stories about the 10th Anniversary read the article on sportanddev.