By Mathira Sutiwanananti, WVFT communications

Ratnabhon Sanesomsri, 16, is a girl like any other living in the South of Thailand. She likes learning English and playing volleyball. She goes to school every day with her younger brother on a motorcycle. Their parents work in a rubber plantation and earn a moderate income.

Ratnabhon’s life had always felt calm and normal until her uncle’s disease became known.

“My uncle had HIV and AIDS,” she explains. “There were some relatives who stopped seeing him when they found it out. It was very sad that they turned away from him. For me, it was different. His poor health made me wanted to know more about HIV/AIDS so that I could understand as well as help him.”

Then 13, Ratnabhon often talked to senior students at her school who were members of Wang Wiset Youth Leaders, a group of 50 students from five schools working together to bring about better understanding of HIV/AIDS in Trang province.

“I felt helpless without the knowledge about the disease. I really wanted to know more. I wanted to know if my uncle’s baby would be saved from the infection. I wanted to know if he would survive. I wanted to know how to take care of him.”

Whatever the young girl learned from Wang Wiset students she earnestly shared with her family and relatives. She never failed to visit her uncle and his family.

“I tried to cheer him up. I just wanted him to know that I still loved him no matter what. I didn’t want him to feel left out.”

Because of the girl’s relentless effort and determination, her relatives stopped ignoring her sick uncle and began to express compassion towards him.

“I think they finally understood that HIV and AIDS is not normally contagious and that we can actually help to support people who suffer from it. I’ve always felt that I have to do something for my uncle and people like him.”

Ratnabhon officially joined Wang Wiset Youth Leaders when she reached grade 8. As part of the group, the girl discovered her ability to speak out to a larger audience about her concern of HIV and AIDS. She often comes up with new ideas to involve the younger students in HIV and AIDS awareness-raising activities her group organises.

“I think through the group I’ve become more positive and empowered. I’m glad that I can take part to create a society where people with HIV and AIDS can live without being discriminated against or stigmatized, even if it’s just a small step,” said the young vice president of Wang Wiset Youth Leaders, confidently.