The Pulse: Jan/Feb 2024

ISSUE 08

JAN/FEB 2024

Papaya Launch

Volunteer feature

THE WINNING SEED

Our new E-Magazine Papaya is now

Our

volunteer

live on our website.

the

community

Check out Pg 5 for all the details.

volunteers in more depth.

feature to

get

is

a

way

for

The

to

know

our

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Winning

Seed

EXTENDED.

deadline Learn

has

more

about how you can win $1500!

CONTENTS

01 Volunteer Story

05 Featured Programmes

07 Recent Highlights Get Involved

OUR FRIENDS

ELVIN KAUND Journey to Canada

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My transition to Canada as an international student was more than just a change in location; it was a transformative journey that shaped my very identity. Leaving Malawi behind meant leaving behind the comfort of my cultural roots, the faces of friends and family, and the safety net of surroundings that defined my early years. At 16, I stepped into a new world uncertain of what this adventure held; it was both daunting and exhilarating. Upon my arrival in Canada, I found myself navigating a cultural landscape vastly different from my homeland.

The harsh Canadian winters mirrored the initial chill I felt from having to adjust to a new education system and societal norms. The cultural nuances presented themselves as a puzzle, and I found myself struggling to fit into a seemed forei

DA narrative that seemed foreign.

I didn’t know where to begin – it was overwhelming. At the same time, having no family or familiar faces to provide reassurance meant I had to quickly adapt to relying on myself. It was like a crash course in adulthood where every decision and responsibility suddenly fell on my shoulders. As the seasons changed, I found myself longing for home even more. It wasn't just a passing feeling; homesickness was a constant reminder of what I left behind. The desire to see my family and friends intensified with each passing day.

Finding a Community

It was these challenging moments that pushed me to search for local cultural groups, connect

with fellow international students, and participate in events celebrating traditions close to my heart.

“Home isn't just a place – it’s found within the connections we create.”

Through these initiatives, I discovered a different type of community that provided me with a sense of belonging. The new friendships I cultivated helped to ease my homesickness, and the bonds I formed with fellow international students became a supports system for me. I found that these new relationships were able to transcend cultural differences, which helped me to realize that asdfasdf

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home isn't just a place – it’s found within the connections we create. This new community helped me to understand the transformative the transformative power of a supportive environment. I found myself wanting to instill hope in people who feel marginalized, isolated, and overlooked – much like I did upon my arrival to Canada. This realization led me to discover LetsStopAIDS. Intrigued by their mission and their emphasis on HIV youth leadership, global health, and community empowerment, I decided to volunteer. Little did I know that this commitment would not only contribute to a noble cause but also become a transformative experience in shaping my personal growth.

Involvement with LetsStopAIDS As a Special Events Coordinator, my primary role involves orchestrating gatherings that bring people together for a common purpose: to raise awareness and support for those affected by the HIV epidemic. The resilience of the individuals I’ve encountered in the LetsStopAIDS community has become a source of inspiration. community has become a source of inspiration. The stories I’ve heard of overcoming adversity and fighting against stigma/discrimination are all the more inspiring in light of my own journey of resilience.

The events we organize are not just fundraisers; they are celebrations of triumph and testimonies to the strength that comes from unity.

In the warmth of community, strong relationships, and mutual support, I've rediscovered my strength to confront challenges head-on. From the stories shared within the LetsStopAIDS community, I found a universal language of resilience that transcends borders and cultures. My journey to Canada is marked by challenges, self-discovery, and triumphs, but I have found that I am able to build connections through these shared experiences. This ongoing journey continues to be an integral part of my life, shaping not only my personal growth but also reinforcing my commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Through my work with LetsStopAIDS, I hope to continue supporting resilient communities and working to uplift and empower people around me.

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Papaya belongs to the LetsStopAIDS family of initiatives. With a focus on personal accounts, expository articles and ‘how-to’ guides on sex, Papaya is a celebration of fresh conversations and new perspectives about sex, sexual wellness, and dating.

Papaya is now live.

The History of Hairless Vulvas 05

TheWinningSeed is your chance to put your HIV advocacy ideas into action AND win $1500 in grant money!

Deadline extension until March 26th 2024 Click here to learn more!

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RECENT Highlights

GEt Involved Join our Team

Interested in joining our team? Even if you don’t see a specific role you’re looking for, no worries! You can still get involved by clicking on the link below.

Get Involved

Graphic Designer

We are looking for a Graphics Designer that doesn’t mind having their hands in all aspects of design and creative projects! The candidate will work with SocialMedia to help work on National, International, Development, or Communication projects and campaigns.

Copywriter

The Copywriter will help write, edit, and assist creating content for all LetsStopAIDS programmes.

Working closely with the communications team, you will help produce editorially-minded marketing copy that showcases the brand voice and furthers their brand story with our Charity's goals.

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p2P Workshops

Over the last two months, LetsStopAIDS has hosted close to 40 P2P Workshops thanks to our recent partnership with Toronto District School Board (TDSB). LetsStopAIDS’ Youth Peer Educators have travelled all throughout the Greater Toronto Area to deliver these workshops with the intention of providing an interactive, comprehensive, and sex-positive approach to education.

uNAIDS NGO Delegate On December 14th, our president & founder, Shamin Mohamed Jr. was elected as the NGO Delegate for North America during the 53rd session of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) in Geneva.

An NGO delegate’s role is to represent the voices of civil society and ensure that community perspectives are being included within key discussions surrounding the global policy of the HIV epidemic. With this new role, LetsStopAIDS is now better positioned to directly advocate for Canadian and North American youth within the HIV response.

The election is a huge milestone for the organization and serves as a testament to all the hard work from our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community members.

Check out the link below to see how you can get involved!

Social Media Coordinator

The Social Media Coordinator will work closely with the communications team to create a social media plan across different platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube and build mutually positive relationships with content creators while being an essential part of the LetsStopAIDS Social Media team.

Youth Peer Educator

As our Youth Peer Educator, you will become our voice for Youth-HIV information and knowledge. You will be part of a team encouraging youth to learn and create leadership opportunities within their local communities.

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