Here is some HTML text that can be copied and pasted into message boards and things, has two pics on it, one to a map, the other to a picture from the AED website.

HIV/AIDS: Cultivating Openness

Sunday, December 18, 2005, 4-7pm+
Café Axé Cultural Center, 1525 Webster St., Oakland

* Film Screening and Presentation on HIV/AIDS care in Togo, West Africa by Kevin Fiori
* Original Art by Mahader Tesfai
* Music from Burkina Faso, West Africa by Kevin Charlton-Davis
* Organic Vegan Togolese Food
& More... (it's a surprise!)

The Film: “Hope, Espoir, Lidaw”

This 19 minute documentary outlines the experience of a community living with HIV/AIDS in Kara, Togo, and the forthcoming response of this community to the epidemic. Togolese people living with AIDS and technical staff speak of their experience developing a community based model to deliver HIV/AIDS treatment in a resource poor setting. Produced by the Hope Through Health/Association pour Demain-Lidaw Collaboration Initiative. The film will be presented by Kevin Fiori, co-producer, Peace Corps volunteer and co-founder of Hope Through Health.

The Organization: “Hope Through Health/Association pour Demain Lidaw Collaboration Initiative”

Hope Through Health (HTH) is a U.S. based, all volunteer operated, non-profit organization that provides financial and technical support to community health initiatives in resource poor settings. Hope Though Health was founded in the spirit of social justice and with a mission to ensure health as a human right. It seeks to ensure this right by supporting community directed initiatives that can be coordinated on a global scale.

In February of 2005, HTH began a partnership with Association Espoir pour Demain (AED) in Togo, West Africa. The goal of this collaboration is to develop a community based model that delivers comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and treatment in the Kara region of Togo. Please join us to learn about these organizations and their involvement with the community affected by the HIV epidemic in Togo.

The Presenter: Kevin Fiori

Mr. Fiori received a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and a Certificate in International Health from Boston University School of Public Health in 2003 after earning undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry/Chemistry and Human Development from the University of California at San Diego. In September 2003 he started a community health volunteer assignment with Peace Corps in Togo. In November, Mr. Fiori held meetings with over 13 HIV/AIDS non-governmental organizations based in the Kara region and decided to start working with Association Espoir pour Demain (AED). Discussions were initiated regarding the organization’s future plans and the possibilities for Peace Corps collaboration. Currently, Mr. Fiori serves as the collaboration director and technical assistant to the following programs: Home Visits (VAD), Treatment, Nutrition, Education, Orphan Surveillance, and Social Mobilization.

The Artist: Mahader Tesfai

Mahader Tesfai is an Eritrean-born artist residing in Berkeley California. He recieved his undergraduate degree in African Studies from UC Santa Barbara and is currently pursuing a career in elementary education. His paintings are have been exhibited throughout California in numerous solo and group exhibits. Dealing with issues of identity and spirituality his oil, acrylic, and mixed media paintings on found objects are explosive in color and content.

The Musician: Kevin Charlton-Davis

Kevin Charlton-Davis- African "Kuor" Player, a two-stringed African Gourd guitar used in ceremonies, rituals, and for sharing news in marketplaces.

Kevin has lived in Burkina Faso, West Africa, where he studied shamanism and healing rituals. He studied under the local village group Soun Na Bo Re, a group who showcases the mystical powers or the supernatural in their lives and in their community. The villagers used this instrument as a key motivator for doing chores i.e. farming, for funerals and weddings.

The Moderator: Mariam Tendou Kamara

The event will be moderated by Mariam Tendou Kamara from WAFRICA, who recently made in November a presentation at Amnesty International entitled “HIV/AIDS in Africa: Poverty, Gender and Development”.

Supporting Organizations

Café Axé-

Mission is to provide the Oakland/East Bay community with services and a venue for art full expressions; a gathering of like minds who seek community global wellness by a holistic approach through the arts: martial arts, performing, and visual arts, the healing arts and food arts (vegan, organic, herbal).

WAFRICA- Women of Africa

A Bay area grassroots organization focused on increasing the welfare of African immigrant women in San Francisco region and of women and girls in Africa.
www.wafrica.org

Please visit AED-Togo/HTH website:
www.hthglobal.org

Or contribute directly to AED-Togo through US partner:
Hope Through Health
PO Box 605
Medway, MA 02053-0605