Andreea Pocotila
Ten young Romanian photographers with HIV/AIDS were yesterday honored during a ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest.
The artists captured the reality of their daily lives through photos as part of a contest with the theme "The World Seen Through My Eyes," organized by the National Union of Organizations for Persons Affected by HIV/AIDS (UNOPA), with funding from the U.S. Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and with technical assistance from the John Snow Research and Training Institute (JSI).
As discrimination continues to pose a threat to these young artists, their names were not released to the media. Many of the explanations they submitted with their photos reveal that the effects of discrimination are more painful than the disease.
One winning photo, entitled "Empty Soul", included the message: "Loneliness can be the heaviest burden."
"My girlfriend found out about me," one photographer wrote. "She told me that she didn't know or understand much, and left me. I was left alone with my problem," said another one.
Many of the messages, however, showed reasons for optimism. A photo of two smiling young women is accompanied by the words, "These two classmates know my diagnosis and treat me the same as they did before they knew. They have the same affection for me and are more understanding."
The contest drew interest from throughout the country, including more than 100 participants who submitted 166 photos. Among the prizes awarded were prizes for best composition, best portrait, best medical photo and best message. Each winner received a trophy and a digital camera.
"People feel frightened of what they don't understand," said USAID Director Rodger Garner, who welcomed the photographers. "Your words, your pictures, your courage will help them understand," he added.
(Andreea Pocotila)
Copyright © 2004-2006 Bucharest Daily News
An aristocratic title is not enough to ensure a noble behaviour. A person's greatness comes from acknowledging the mistakes and agreeing to correct them.
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." (Jimi Hendrix)
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