Date: December 1, 2025
To commemorate World AIDS Day on December 01, 2025, the N.S.S., Youth Red Cross (YRC), and Eco Club committees of St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Mapusa, organized a session on HIV awareness and an inter-stream poster making competition for students of Class XI.
The day's events aimed to educate students on the realities of HIV/AIDS, reduce stigma, and promote proactive health measures.
*Poster Making Competition*
The competition provided a creative outlet for students to express their understanding and perspectives on the global effort against the epidemic. The theme for the competition was "Overcoming Disruption and Transforming AIDS Response." Students from various streams participated enthusiastically, producing a range of impactful and thought-provoking posters that highlighted awareness, support, and prevention strategies.
*AIDS Awareness Session*
A crucial informative session on AIDS awareness was conducted by the esteemed Guest speaker, Dr. Sanket Mandrekar from the Urban Health Clinic, Mapusa. Dr. Mandrekar provided vital information regarding the transmission, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS, addressing common myths and misconceptions prevalent in society.
Following Dr. Mandrekar's address, Saloni Gaonkar,counsellor spoke briefly to the students emphasizing the profound importance of counselling for individuals living with AIDS. The session also directly addressed the societal taboos and discrimination associated with the disease, urging students to foster a more empathetic and supportive community.
The educational aspect of the event was further reinforced by the screening of a street play video,which powerfully communicated the significance of ongoing AIDS awareness initiatives.