BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Rotary Club of St. Kitts has joined the national fight against HIV/AIDS with the production of a children’s book entitled "Jenny lives Positively with HIV/AIDS".
The book will be distributed free of cost to Grade Six students in the Federation’s primary schools. It was launched on Tuesday, June 23 at the Bronte Welsh Primary School, which was adopted by the club in late 2008. Rotarians and officials from the Ministry of Education were on-hand to witness the momentous occasion.
A Rotary communiqué informed that the book is designed “to educate students of grade six on preventative mechanisms in relation to contracting HIV and responding to persons who have already contracted the disease”. According to author Kerryanne Amritt, the book aims to teach young persons about HIV prevention and to encourage them to act responsibly.
Renowned local author Carol Ottley-Mitchell assisted with the layout and publication of the book, while editing duties were undertaken by Patricia Hobson. Additionally, the book features beautiful illustrations by local artist Michelina Hazelle.
At the launch, NACHA Chairwoman Dr. Kathleen Allen-Ferdinand commended Amritt for penning such a “compelling”, “easy to understand” piece of fiction. She also praised the Rotary leadership for their sustained championing of HIV awareness programmes and initiatives, which included a 2007 consultation in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and reigning Miss Universe Riyo Mori to solicit the views and opinions of high school students on issues surrounding HIV/AIDS.
“The book brings the message of HIV in a real way that can be understood by children and parents alike. St Kitts and Nevis is once again at the cutting edge in tackling the HIV pandemic, as this book is a first for the region. I think it should be distributed throughout the region,” she said.
In response to Allen-Ferdinand, Rotarian Robert Morris thanked the project’s contributors, especially primary sponsor, the World Bank, and Seaboard Marine Limited and Hobson Enterprises for facilitating distribution of the book.
