PLEDGE

this flame - for the president and premiers
may their sense of patriarchal propensity and patriotism and concern
give power of decision to the youth, PWA’s, women children and communities
this flame - for ministers and MEC’s
may their mercy and ministering
give motivation to those of us consigned to poverty
this flame - for leaders and learners
may their leadership and learning
give light to our lives touched by HIV/AIDS
this flame - for corporate sector and communities
may their commitment and contribution
give character to a call to action and conscietise those of us in denial
this flame - for care – givers and counsellors
may their compassion and care and support
give a continuum of care to the chronically ill
this flame - for children and child - minders
may their challenges and circumstances
give a curative chemistry to all orphans, displaced children and children heading households
This flame - for healthworkers and healers
may their humanity and hospitality
give help and hopes to hearts in despair
This flame - for PWA’s and parents
may their psychological and physical support
give personal therapy to alll those facing stigma and discrimination
This flame - for workers and women
may their words of wisdom
warm the hearts and weave hope for the nation to make a difference
This flame - for AIDS activists and AIDS ambassadors
may their ability and action
gives an African answer to the plight of the affected and infected
This flame - for religious leaders and restorers of hope
may their resilience and resolve
give a reassuring ring to the lonely, affected and infected
This flame - for volunteers and the voiceless
may their vigour and voice
give victory and vitality to those of us in distress
may our action give meaning to the spirit of the Partnership Against AIDS and inculcate the spirit of Ubuntu on all of us. We all pledge to make a difference. We light this candle to give hope to those of us who are hopeless, hurt and helpless. AMEN ALLELUJAH!