Tallinn, Estonia - On the annual UN World AIDS Day, December 1, 2009 UPF-Estonia held an event in support of the efforts made by the United Nations to strengthen awareness of the problem and suffering caused by this disease. Invitations were sent to schools in Tallinn and the surrounding area as well as to NGOs dealing with youth issues. More than 30 people attended the event.
The emcee, Avo Martinson, welcomed everyone to the program, which opened with three young women presenting two beautiful songs. After that, Johann Hinterleitner, chairman of UPF-Estonia, spoke briefly about the various areas in which UPF is active. He also emphasized that UPF offers a preventive strategy in the fight against AIDS — a strategy that focuses on character education.
The main speaker was a young woman from the university city of Tartu (the Estonian version of Cambridge or Oxford). Reet Reinart spent six months in Uganda in 2008 and was involved in working with youth, including AIDS prevention. She spoke on the topic "From Condoms to Values." Reet is an Ambassador for Peace and is currently studying for her doctorate. Her presentation was received very well by the audience, and she spent more time on answering questions than on her presentation.
Finally, the Secretary General of UPF-Eurasia, Mr. Jacques Marion, spoke briefly about his work with UPF over the years.
It was obvious from the lively conversations and discussions that followed during refreshments that all present had received something valuable and stimulating.
Note: World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Government and health officials often observe the event with speeches or forums on topics related to AIDS.