test-a-thon success for college students
The AIDS Resource Centre (ARC) in Cape Town recently ran a test-a-thon to raise awareness and educate college students about HIV and AIDS.
“The aim was for students from Varsity College to be tested for HIV and to then challenge other colleges, schools and universities to take part in the test-a-thon. We wanted to create awareness by putting education into action,” ARC founder Niki Bradshaw explains.
By the end of the two-day campaign, 179 Varsity College students had come forward for testing – less than 40 were expected! Many of the students who did not have the test done during the campaign have since visited the ARC’s testing centre.
When students of a similar age, background and lifestyle are tested, it shows others that being tested is OK. When they speak about the experience, it immediately takes away some of the fear as well as the stigma attached to HIV. It also gives students the chance to show that they care about the devastation this disease is causing and that they are able to contribute to the fight against the virus.
Many of the students found the 15-minute wait for their results extremely nerve-racking – they say they will definitely think before they act in future.
“By taking the service to the students, we are de-stigmatising this disease and are making it easier for the students to make the decision to be tested. Especially when they see their friends being tested. On-site testing drives work! We proved it,” says Emilieene, the Varsity College student who first contacted the ARC and asked them to visit her college.
