Intercollege Skit Competition: Students rewarded for raising awareness on HIV/AIDS-related stigmatisation

The winners of the Intercollege Skit Competition focusing on the theme " Stigmatization parmi zenes ki viv ar sida", were awarded cash prizes and certificates today, in presence of the Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram. The award ceremony was held at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Côte d’Or Technopole, Réduit.

Addressing the students, Mrs Babooram reaffirmed Government’s commitment to building a society where no one is judged because of their health status and where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. She emphasised that stigma and discrimination have no place in an inclusive society.

According to her, stigmatisation remains one of the greatest challenges faced by many individuals in our communities, particularly those living with health conditions such as HIV/AIDS. Beyond the medical aspects of the disease, many individuals continue to experience prejudice, social isolation, and negative impacts on their self-esteem and mental well-being, she noted.

The Junior Minister also acknowledged the significant progress achieved in the fight against HIV. Advances in treatment and care, she said, have transformed HIV from a life-threatening condition into a manageable one, enabling people to lead long, healthy, productive, and meaningful lives. She stressed the importance of fostering understanding, empathy, and acceptance among young people.

Furthermore, she indicated that such initiatives provide an important platform for dialogue and shared commitment to build a more compassionate society, free from stigma and discrimination. Calling on the students to take an active role in this transformation, Mrs Babooram urged them to become agents of change, emphasising that their voices, actions, and commitment can help create a society founded on inclusion, respect, and solidarity.

The Intercollege Skit Competition

The competition is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resource, targeting secondary students. It is aimed at promoting awareness among young people on HIV/AIDS-related stigma and encourage positive attitudes towards persons living with HIV/AIDS through creative expression and peer education.

St Mary’s College clinched the first prize while St Esprit College was awarded the first runner-up prize. Sir Leckraz Teelock State Secondary School secured the second runner-up position.

19 June 2026

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Topics: Health, Education