VOA标准英语2011--US Aid Groups Organize HIV/AIDS Camps in

US Aid Groups Organize HIV/AIDS Camps in Africa

In parts of the world where it is summer time and schools are out, many kids go to camps for different activities and fun. In Africa, there is a growing trend among U.S.-based aid groups to organize HIV/AIDS awareness¹ camps. These camps also try to empower children affected² by the disease.
Children from the Soweto area of South Africa splash around in a swimming pool during a camp organized by the U.S.-based nonprofit Global Camps Africa.
In addition to activities like sports, dancing and arts and crafts, there are also classes for hygiene³, nutrition and HIV/AIDS awareness.
In a message posted on the group's website, Mbali Nkwanyana explains the importance and effectiveness of this approach.
"I would not like these kids to have all the wrong information that I got growing up," Nkwanyana said. "So somehow I feel that it is my responsibility to give these kids knowledge. Knowledge is power. That is the only way that they can have a brighter future is that if they are equipped with knowledge."
The British based group AVERT⁴ says most children living with HIV/AIDS, almost nine in 10, live in sub-Saharan Africa. In the 15 to 19 age group in South Africa, the latest figures from 2009 indicate more than 13 percent were infected with HIV.
In Rwanda, where more than 170,000 people are estimated to be living with the disease, the U.S.-based group CHF International is also organizing a series of camps for AIDS orphans⁵ and other vulnerable children.
With help from local organizations and Peace Corps⁶ volunteers, camp participants get tested for HIV, receive health education and also work on a personal plan for their future.
"A lot of these kids have several strikes against them starting out and so succeeding in school, succeeding in life is that much more challenging given the situation that they are living in within their families and communities," said Anne Smith, CHF country director for Rwanda. "And I think that this really provides them with an opportunity to be with their peers, to be with other classmates who are in a similar situation and really look at, I am capable of and I have the ability to really make something of my life."
She says the life plans and extra schooling⁷ also give them the confidence to become leaders when they return to their regular schools.
"We receive comments like my opinion is appreciated," added Smith. "I am a trusted person. I can support others. I can lead in my school. I can lead in my community. Really just a lot of examples of kids getting to a point where they feel like they can reach out for something bigger and really set goals for themselves."
The four-day camps in Rwanda begin on August first in more than 20 locations and run until the middle of the month, helping⁸ more than 16,000 school age children. At each of the camps, the children draw what they call a tree of hope, with every branch symbolizing⁹ each of their goals.

1 awareness   

n.意识，觉悟，懂事，明智

参考例句：

• There is a general awareness that smoking is harmful.人们普遍认识到吸烟有害健康。
• Environmental awareness has increased over the years.这些年来人们的环境意识增强了。

2 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。

3 hygiene   

n.健康法，卫生学 （a.hygienic）

参考例句：

• Their course of study includes elementary hygiene and medical theory.他们的课程包括基础卫生学和医疗知识。
• He's going to give us a lecture on public hygiene.他要给我们作关于公共卫生方面的报告。

4 avert   

v.防止，避免；转移(目光、注意力等)

参考例句：

• He managed to avert suspicion.他设法避嫌。
• I would do what I could to avert it.我会尽力去避免发生这种情况。

5 orphans   

孤儿( orphan的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The poor orphans were kept on short commons. 贫苦的孤儿们吃不饱饭。
• Their uncle was declared guardian to the orphans. 这些孤儿的叔父成为他们的监护人。

6 corps   

n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组

参考例句：

• The medical corps were cited for bravery in combat.医疗队由于在战场上的英勇表现而受嘉奖。
• When the war broke out,he volunteered for the Marine Corps.战争爆发时，他自愿参加了海军陆战队。

7 schooling   

n.教育；正规学校教育

参考例句：

• A child's access to schooling varies greatly from area to area.孩子获得学校教育的机会因地区不同而大相径庭。
• Backward children need a special kind of schooling.天赋差的孩子需要特殊的教育。

8 helping   

n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的

参考例句：

• The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
• By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。

9 symbolizing   

v.象征，作为…的象征( symbolize的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• This symbol later evolved into a common hieroglyphic symbolizing victory. 这幕场景后来逐渐演化为象征胜利的普通象形文字。 来自时文部分
• Mooncakes reunion, is symbolizing the Mid-Autumn festival will feed. 月饼象征着团圆，是中秋佳节必食之品。 来自互联网