Worlds AIDS Day 2009

Reported by Rajib Debnath and Susmita Chakraborty
Edited by Chiyeung Lau

On Tuesday December 1, 2009, World AIDS Day took place. The entire student body at Brooklyn Tech shoved their pens and subject binders aside to learn about the number one pandemic in the world-HIV/ AIDS. In previous years during World AIDS Day, Tech Students would annually gather around for an informative HIV/AIDS lesson during their own gym periods or health classes. However this year, things were completely different.

This year not only did Tech students receive a lesson on HIV/AIDS in their gym periods/ health classes, they also discussed HIV/AIDS in other classes as well. Teachers of all subject areas were expected to discuss the topic with their students. Each teacher had a specific lesson plan that related to their subject. For instance, the math teachers of Tech focused the day’s lesson primarily on statistics of AIDS/HIV, English teachers used a statistical HIV/AIDS reading passage as a way to get their students to write about the passage and exercise writing skills, teachers of languages other than English worked with students to help them learn about HIV and AIDS in foreign countries, and the science department focused rather on the scientific details about contracting AIDS/HIV and how the virus worked. The Tech faculty proudly worked together, in hopes of keeping their students safe, healthy and suited for a bright and healthy future.

Brooklyn Tech was also visited by many guest speakers. From people who were living with HIV to people who’ve already developed AIDS. They each shared their personal stories in attempt to help kids understand the consequences of risky behavior. Guest speakers were also open to all questions asked by both Tech students and their teachers.

So why is it so significant that students are aware of HIV/AIDS? It is because New York City is the epicenter of the virus. More than 250,000 people in New York State alone were diagnosed with AIDs or are living with HIV. In New York, recent studies have shown that 1 in 70 men on average are living with HIV/AIDS. Because we live in a city where so many people have this virus, it is important to be knowledgeable about the virus. Some may argue that being educated on such a topic is unnecessary for high school students, but they do not know that high school is known as the “door” to the real world. Students should learn early about the consequences of unsafe sex and other risky behavior so that they do no contract such a virus and contribute in stopping the virus from affecting others.

Overall Worlds AIDS day was a success. The school faculty came together to thoroughly and efficiently educate the students about the virus. It was a wonderful team effort.

Brooklyn Tech and BTHSnews thanks the guest speakers who visited the school on World AIDS Day and wishes them the best of luck in their struggle against HIV/AIDS

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