iVolunteer-Asha group took a big step forward on 26th April 2006, with our first corporate presentation for 70 employees of BEA Systems, Bangalore. Along with street plays, we are looking at more such corporate workshops to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Here is a brief report of the event -
The 1-hour workshop conducted in the office campus of BEA Systems on 26th April 2006 at 5PM, was on HIV/AIDS awareness for the employees of the company.
The preparation for the workshop was a joint effort by the entire group of “iVolunteer-Asha” with the core effort from Rajesh, Gaurav and me (Vijayanand).
The workshop was a combination of introduction to iVolunteer by Anna, PowerPoint presentation from me, volunteering experience shared by Gaurav and Question & Answer session taken care by me, Gaurav and Sunita (the counselor of Asha Foundation).
The presentation gave all the necessary and in-depth information about HIV/AIDS i.e.,
- Modes of transmission,
- Non-transmission,
- Prevention,
- Testing procedures for HIV/AIDS,
- The common myth in the society about HIV/AIDS,
- Services of ASHA Foundation and also
- How volunteering can do wonders when one is committed for the cause they are volunteering for and of course the emphasis on the HIV/AIDS helpline numbers of Asha foundation.
Around 70 employees attended the workshop and the response was extremely good since most of them had lot of questions and were eager to know more about HIV/AIDS. This acted as a great motivation for me and Gaurav and we both enthusiastically clarified all their questions and doubts on the spot and even after the workshop.
This workshop at the BEA Systems would not have been possible without the co-ordination of our able iVolunteer Manager, Ms. Antoinette Lopez, the knowledge given to us by Sunita of Asha Foundation and the dedication and contribution of the entire iVolunteer-Asha Group.
To convey my happiness and satisfaction about the huge success, I would like to repeat the same words, which Gaurav said, while concluding the workshop –
“What's better community service than SAVING SOMEONE’S LIFE”.
This also makes me say -
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we GIVE".
Vijayanand, Bangalore
