Students take part in filming an AIDS campaign video.
TDChristian students featured in AIDS campaign video
Video encourages a new generation to shine Christ’s light into the darkness of AIDS
Wednesday December 10, 2008 -- Jennifer Higgs
The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) iEmbrace AIDS campaign video was launched Dec. 1 on World AIDS Day and features students from Toronto District Christian High School (TDChristian).
The video, entitled Embrace AIDS: Let Your Light Shine, is on the campaign’s website at www.iembraceaids.com and will also be linked off other websites such as YouTube.
The video and website message says it’s time for a new generation to shine a light on AIDS.
“There is a light at the end of the dark tunnel that is the AIDS epidemic, and it is the light of a new generation shining with Christ’s light into the darkness of AIDS. Each and every one of us has the ability to shine. It’s time we all shine together to bring AIDS out of the darkness and break this cycle of poverty and disease,” the website states.
The video includes music and special effects. It shows students gathering from a wooded area into an open space shining lights.
“The film shoot went very smoothly, thanks primarily to the 102 extremely willing and co-operative students,” said Christina De Jong, communications director for the CRWRC, in a statement.
The campaign has been running for a few years and this year Justin De Moor, the school’s vice-president of communications, suggested the CRWRC gear the video campaign towards youth.
De Moor says in his experience youth will engage their parents and grandparents in their interests. De Moor and a group of students from the social justice class met as a focus group with Manifest Communications, who is marketing the AIDS campaign, in September.
The filming took place Oct. 30 from 4 to 11 p.m. at TDChristian’s soccer field.
“The final product is an exciting, moving piece that I think engages and inspires youth to find out more about HIV and AIDS, CRWRC’s work in this area, and ways to get involved,” said De Jong.
The video is another way the school can be involved in social justice work, De Moor says, noting that standing up and advocating for justice around the world is something the school has been part of for a number of years.
“It was significant for our students to be part of something that is for a good cause,” says De Moor, adding it was more about raising awareness than having fun.
Grade 11 student Kiana Tari said it was a great experience.
“It was great to help in bringing increased awareness to such an important issue as AIDS,” said Tari.
Students were also able to glean understanding of the work involved in producing a short video clip.
CRWRC and Manifest representatives attended a school assembly Dec. 5 along with John Orkar, a missionary from Nigeria. Orkar talked about the global AIDS situation and the video was shown.
The CRWRC is the international relief and development arm of the Christian Reformed Church and reaches out to people struggling with poverty, hunger, disaster and injustice.
The website also features ideas for youth to further get involved in the campaign, including a list of 10 things to do to embrace AIDS.
Visit www.iembraceaids.com to watch the video and learn more.
If you have feedback on this issue, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051 or e-mail jennifer(at)axiomnews.ca.
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