Logo

 

Banner Image:   National-News-banner-Purple
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet


'People not aware of HIV facts' 


Christian charity acet UK, marking 30 years of working with people affected and infected by HIV, has warned of new challenges in HIV prevention ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December


acet800


ACET was founded in 1988 and delivers relationship and sex education (RSE), trains educators to deliver RSE and supports international partners working in similar fields.

acet UK CEO Sarah Smith said that while advances in HIV medication mean that AIDS is no longer inevitable, the charity's work continues to be 'vital'. 

'Many young people today are not aware of the facts around HIV and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Yet we live in a digital culture where pornography is readily accessible, sexting is normalised, and an expectation to ‘perform’ sexually is sadly commonplace amongst many young people. Growing up can be incredibly challenging. acet UK’s Esteem programme encourages young people to see their value, the value of others and how precious sex is.'
 
acet UK’s Esteem team delivers relationships and sex education in secondary schools, and trains independent educators and organisations across the UK to deliver the Esteem programme. The growing Esteem network of around 100 trained practitioners reached over 32,000 young people in 2019.
 
Sarah said, 'Changes in technology and smart phone culture have opened up lots of great opportunities for young people, but have also exposed them to a vast array of sexual images and messages that are having a hugely negative influence on how they view relationships and sex.

'Our young people are at risk of experiencing poor relational and sexual well-being. Those working with them in churches and schools need to provide an alternative narrative to help them experience healthy relationships and better sexual health outcomes for their future.'
 
Following the birth of acet UK in 1988, teams were formed in other countries to challenge the drivers of HIV and care for those living with AIDS. Today, there are independent ACET partners across Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia, with acet UK offering support to some of these through fundraising and training.
 
Looking to the future, acet UK launches its Big Give matched funding initiative in the week following World AIDS Day 2019. The aim is to raise £15,000 in one week to help fund three projects in 2020 that protect vulnerable young people in Sub-Saharan Africa from HIV.

Sarah said that, as in the UK, 'Lack of education is a major problem, as is destructive misinformation from pornography – both of which can lead to risky sexual activity. Sexual gender-based violence is also a key driver of HIV. Orphans, adolescent sex workers and children in areas of high HIV rates are particularly vulnerable.'

To donate to acet UK’s Big Give initiative, click the donate button at www.acet-uk.com between midday 3 December and midday 10 December and your donation will be matched.
 
acet UK patron, Margaret Sentamu, wife of the Anglican Archbishop of York said, 'As we celebrate this anniversary, we reflect on the privilege it is to be part of the Christian response to HIV. acet UK has shifted attitudes, challenged cultural norms and broken through taboos.'


Image | Vocational skills training in Zimbabwe | acet UK
 

Baptist Times, 27/11/2019
    Post     Tweet
'We retain deep misgivings about the safety of the Rwanda Bill' 
Churches have reiterated their opposition to the Rwanda Bill, which passed in Parliament on 23 April
'God is doing a new thing among young adults'   
There’s been a number of ‘firsts’ taking place among young adults in our Baptist movement. It seems to me God is doing a new thing in our midst - and the younger generations are leading it, writes Isabella Senior
Baptist colleges launch projects exploring science and ministry 
Cardiff Baptist College and Regent’s Park College are among four theological colleges in the UK and Republic of Ireland to have been awarded funding to develop teaching resources incorporating science, ethics, and theology
New Firestarters conversations for 2024 
Three new Firestarters conversations, which enable congregations to rediscover a passion to help new people become Christians, are taking place in Baptist churches this year
Launch of St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry 
St Hild College has announced the launch of the St Hild Centre for Baptist Ministry, for the training and formation of missional leaders for the Baptist family
Baptist Union Council: March 2024 
Baptist Union Council took place 19-20 March at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire
     Latest News 
    Posted: 26/02/2024
    Posted: 08/12/2023