Date: 1 December

This year, on World AIDS Day, 2 million children around the world will be taking
part in a 'Lesson for Life': a 'lesson' on HIV, AIDS and the effect of the crisis on
children.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a massive and rapidly mounting disaster for children.
Almost 3 million children are infected with the HIV virus or are living with AIDS.
And the worst is yet to come: by 2010, the number of children orphaned by AIDS is
expected to exceed 25 million.

The Lesson for Life is being organised by the Global Movement for Children (GMC) in
a global effort to take action for the most vulnerable children around the world.
The GMC is the worldwide movement of organisations and people - including children -
uniting efforts to build a world fit for children. Some of the world's largest
organisations and networks for children, as part of the GMC, are helping to organise
the Lesson for Life.

From schools to youth centres, sports clubs to village squares, the Lesson for Life
will involve everyone, everywhere. It is a way of both increasing the knowledge of
children on HIV and AIDS and activating community and child-led responses to the
crisis. Most importantly, the Lesson will be a chance for children and adults to
debate ideas for collective action in favour of children affected by HIV and AIDS.

Anyone can participate by organising or joining in with a Lesson for Life on World
AIDS Day in schools, youth centres, parents' associations, sports clubs... and
downloading activity packs - containing suggested lesson plans, leaflets, posters
and other resources - from the GMC website. [Source: CRIN]

For more information, contact:
Kate Norgrove
Communications Manager, Global Movement for Children
c/o Plan, Chobham House, Christchurch Way, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6JG
Tel: + 44 (0)1483 733 335
Email: hivaids@gmfc.org