Box User Story: Fighting AIDS in Africa
Often times, making a difference just takes some good insight and a willingness to follow through on a good idea. That difference can change lives in real and positive ways. This week’s user story highlights Palo Alto, CA-based FACE AIDS. Their mission is to raise funds and awareness to fight AIDS in Rwanda, Zambia and other countries throughout Africa. The origins of FACE AIDS goes back to the experiences of three volunteers working in a Zambian refugee camp. They realized that such a small number of refugees were openly known to have HIV, while even fewer people were tested regularly for virus. Overwhelming statistics suggested that a greater number of these refugees were probably affected and needed help. So, the students started a small project to raise money that would encourage people to get tested and open up about their status. They first set a goal to sell 50,000 beaded AIDS awareness pins through colleges across America. From there, their mission expanded and FACE AIDS was born.
FACE AIDS started using Box.net last year to help in the production of educational handouts on AIDS in Africa. These materials cover such topics as AIDS orphans, access to treatment and education, food security and gender inequality. In addition, FACE AIDS uses Box.net to share documents and photos of the people they support in Rwanda and Zambia, including the “pinmakers” that are employed and receive funds and support for making FACE AIDS’ fund raising pins. Having Box gives them a more “coherent platform” for sharing content and helps them save time in the creation and distribution of their materials.
The work of FACE AIDS also supports the related efforts of former President Bill Clinton’s foundation, as well as raising funds for Partners in Health, which focuses on training community health workers, establishing new clinics and implementing health care models that support communities throughout Rwanda.
We’re incredibly honored and thrilled to support the mission of such a worthy cause.
