HIV/AIDS Theatre Association formed in Sandaun Province.

A total of 22 participants attending a theatre training course in Aitape had the privilege of being recognized theatre performers, after a one-week of training.

The one-week theatre training was funded by the National AIDS Council and was coordinated by the Diocesan HIV/AIDS Office in Aitape, for 22 participants from Vanimo, Nuku, Lumi and Aitape Districts in the Sandaun Province.

The training held at St. Martin's Pastoral Centre in Aitape was facilitated by Camillus Pius, N.A.C.(National AIDS Council) Theatre Trainer, and his assistant co-facilitator Ivo Tapan. Mr. Pius has been doing workas a trainer for about three years, and Mr. Tapan, a member of the East Sepik Provincial AIDS Committee has also been working with Mr. Pius for two years.

Mr. Pius reported that the training held in Aitape, was the sixth one conducted.

Certificate presentations were held on Sunday 2nd March, with a special thanksgiving Mass, being part of the closing ceremony of the one-week course.

During the Mass the main celebrant Fr. Leonard Tarai ofm, stressed in his homily about the importance of the work of HIV/AIDS volunteers, caregivers, councselors and others involved in the fight against the deadly disease.

He especially emphasized on the point that they should learn to see Jesus as being the light in their lives and in others. And that as people chosen to carry out the work of HIV/AIDS awareness, they too should be as agents of that Christly light to others in need.

"Light gives direction and it gives hope, and the people out there need your help in the parishes and communities. Therefore, you are all called to be steering agents to guide people in the direction of the light which is to Christ," said Fr. Leonard.

He encouraged the participants too that they should be strong because they had a special misson to become trainers of others and that only with God's help will they be able to do their work well.

Mr. Pius also said that he was surprised that initially most of the participants were not experienced performers however after three days of training they were able to do very well. he also commended Br. Cletus Walle OH, Diocesan HIV/AIDS Coordinator, for making it possible for the people of the province to form and be registered as a Theatre Association as it was vital in the nation's fight against the epidemic.

"The people of Sandaun Province face a higher risk of exposure to HIV and AIDS due to the continuous transiting of people across the PNG-Indonesian border. And therefore, with the setting up of the theatre groups, awareness work will be of vital importance, especially for the Sandaun people as well as the country," emphasised Mr. Pius.