I was always aware of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in South Africa, but after reading the statics in Chapter 8 of 2.0 “We Wanted Other People to Learn from Us” it was heart-wrenching to learn not only does South Africa have the most HIV number of people in the world, it also has the most AID orphans 2.3 million – along with young women between the ages of 15-19 as being the most vulnerable – these statistics are heart-wrenching.
Blogging allows the girls to share their stories and enables girls far and near to learn from their experiences, their emotions and day to day living in the rural villages in South Africa. – I think young girls would be more interested in hearing about this information from their peers – they can better relate to someone their own age, when it comes to sexuality. Girls all over the world have the same issues at that age, ie –HIV, teen pregnancy, peer pressure, drugs, etc. The girls in South Africa rely on blogging to allow the world to see the issues of living in South Africa. It allows them to “vent” where they would ordinarily not feel as expressive “speaking” about the problems. I see blogging as a positive for these girls – and especially a positive for girls (and adults) reading their blogs – it absolutely can be used as a learning tool. Whereas here in the US we glorify teen pregnancy with television shows – the girls in South Africa are blogging about the reality of what can happen, with regards to violence, the threat of AIDS and HIV.
I was also aware of the HIV and other AIDs related problems in South Africa but I did not realize how severe the problem is currently. The statistics about the most vulnerable which happens to be between the ages of 15-19 is indeed very heart-wrenching. “Prevention is better that cure,” and so adolescents and teenagers need to be educated about this deadly but preventable disease. Internet blogging can indeed be a good way for teens to find their own space and share their own reflections and opinions. It may take a village to raise a child but it takes Information technology via Internet blogging and other social medium to bring about an awareness of the problem. Teenage girls can use social mediums such as Internet blogging for the promotion of education and self reflection. They will also find great joy when they communicate directly with their peers.
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