To all WAIT friends and family:

This summer is far from being a vacation -- WAIT teams worldwide are traveling to South Korea, Uganda, the Czech Republic, Kenya, South Africa, the Caribbean, and various cities in the United States!

Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, if your aim is to love those around you, then you are contributing to a global effort to make this world a better place. Through unceasing love, we stop AIDS.

Washington AIDS International Teens

WAIT teaches people of all ages, races, religions, and cultures about the science of HIV. We advocate getting tested, living abstinent until a lifetime partnership, and good health care for those infected. We teach through the performing arts and other talents and skills, including electronic media and communication. WAIT works with anyone wishing to stop to AIDS in their communities and across the globe.

News from UK

Watford Celebrations 2007
28th May 11am-6pm at the Watford Colosseum
by: Tamara Squizzato

On bank holiday Monday, 28th May, UK WAIT performed at the Watford Celebrations, a local event that began as an interfaith project but has grown to include national projects and performances.  

The event began late, with an Opening Address from Levi Francis followed by an act by Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. Then the Scottish Society performed quite a few different dances sandwiching the Filipino Community act of song and dance. The first quarter of the event was concluded with the Chinese Association which has offered their support for our future events. Then, the Leal School of Dance took the stage, followed by the band ‘Harripaul’. Connie enjoyed their performance so much that she went to their stand to express herself and received their CD free! She was extremely pleased about this.

Full Report continued HERE.

Local News

School Spirit
By Joshua de Groot

Do you remember your high school days? I graduated from Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, MD a few years ago, the home of the proud, tenacious, yet slightly snobbish Vikings. So when I returned to my old school with WAIT on June 1st, I encountered all sorts of familiar items: the saturated trophy case, infinite number of classrooms, and groups of students lounging in the halls during lunch.

As I walked the halls, emotions came up as old memories came to me: depression, academic and peer pressure, and my friends struggling with drugs and coping with divorce.

We were there to perform for the 5 periods of health class. Despite leaving on time, we arrived right after school started and had to quickly set-up. Fortunately, we were able to perform in the cafeteria instead of the classroom, thanks to the ingenuity of the health teacher, Ms. Rudolph. She also ordered 4 huge pizzas for us and made us brownies – she’s awesome!

Lan Tsubata and I introduced each performance, each time noting that I was an alumnus. I was deeply grateful for the breakdance act and the way it seems to wake up people and make things exciting. We did the skit, the songs “Wait For Me” and “Hero,” the gameshow, and the dance, “A Rose is Still a Rose.” I enjoyed hosting the gameshow, as the kids not only were answering our questions correctly, but also asked very important questions of their own about HIV/AIDS.

The audiences responded well to the information we shared. This was especially evident during the lunch period, in which many genuinely asked us, “Why are you abstinent?”  Through explaining that abstinence is life-saving, I really hoped to plant something in their hearts that would show them their value. Some kids were so happy to see other kids who were standing up for abstinence that they asked to take a photo with us.  Also during lunch, a spontaneous breakdance battle in the cafeteria drew us a crowd of 200, really breaking the barriers.

It was a deep joy for me to serve my school with WAIT. I believe that our message was received in their hearts, as we put our full heart in the performances. I believe every person needs to be reminded at times that they are valuable and awesome, so they can feel their own power to build a joyful, fulfilling life.

The principal, Dr. Goodwin, gave us all thank you gifts of Walt Whitman pens, and a Starbucks card for Aunt Kate! Thank you so much! Ms. Rudolph invited us back to present next year, and we are looking forward to seeing these bright kids then!

From a Teacher's Eyes

Dear Mrs. Tsubata,

I do apologize for the delayed feedback on WAIT’s presentations at Drew Freeman Middle School.  Overall the entire school was truly uplifted, informed, and challenged to take a second look at the decisions they make.  Some people told me it made them feel a little scared.  I thought that was a good thing.  It let me know how much your program touched both the students and the staff.  The students shared how they learned and realized that there are other consequences other than pregnancy when it comes to sex.  They also had a better understanding of what abstinence means and why they should practice abstinence.  They loved the dancing, of course, and all other performances.  Just this past week, I taught a lesson on HIV and AIDS, and one of my students referred back to the role play that had to do with the Immune System fighting off the virus.  They really got it!! How exciting.

I am definitely looking forward to planning for the next school year. Another one of my co-workers said she wants to start a W.A.I.T. team here, as she was so excited.  Thanks again for coming and I will be in touch. 

Sincerely,

Ms. Linda Bryant

Share your heart! Contact us on what you think!

E-mail: info@waitteam.org

Phone: (301) 577-1094

Address: 7752 Decatur Rd., Hyattsville, MD 20784