AIDSTanzania is student-run organization from the College of William and Mary dedicated to providing free, easily accessible, and sustainable HIV/AIDS education and testing to the diverse rural communities of Eastern sub-Saharan Africa. Nearly two-thirds of all people living with HIV are found in sub-Saharan Africa, although this region contains little more than 10% of the world’s population (UNAIDS Report 2006). We emphasize prevention in all of our programs, and seek to empower community members, providing them with the tools and resources to develop and deliver programming and testing to their peers while we are in the United States. We are not doctors, we are not health professionals—we are students, and the people we work with in Tanzania are students; yet, our efforts are limited only in their scope, not their effectiveness. In 2009, we tested 238 individuals over three testing days and initiated a successful peer education program at a local secondary school; we held roundtable discussions with women from the community and discussed condom use with young men. And we looked, together, towards future projects.

Applications and interviews for AIDSTanzania’s new member class are submitted and conducted, respectively, in late February and March of each year. Here’s our Spring 2010 team:

Kat Bernardo (Co-President)

Fairfax, VA

International Relations / 2011

Favorite quote: “My house burned down./ Now it’s easier/ To see the rising moon.” – Masahide

Alex Dodd

Indianapolis, IN

Russian and Post-Soviet Studies / 2013

Favorite Letter: G (but only the capitol version)

Reid Francis (VP-Fundraising)

Napa, CA

Physics and Marketing / 2013

Favorite Cheese: Brie

Katie Gehron (Co-President)

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

International Relations and French / 2012

Favorite Thing to Write on: Chalkboards

Alyzain Jiwani

Edison, NJ

Pre-Dental Studies and Economics / 2013

Favorite AIDSTanzania Prep Activity: Putting banana-flavored condoms on bananas in Lodge 1 of the Sadler Center.

Alexandra Kyerematen

Raleigh, NC

International Relations and African Studies / 2010

Favorite Food from the Caf: chicken quesadillas with lots of salsa

Lauren Lamp

Great Falls, VA

History and Geology / 2011

Favorite Food: “Peanut butter–I’m obsessed with it!”

Prarna Mansukhani

Libertyville, IL

Biology / 2010

Favorite Thing: Biking to a friends house to eat gaucamole, while wearing flip flops. Mmmm.

Davey McKissick

Richmond, VA

Government and Public Policy / 2013

Favorite Thing: Chocolate Chip Cookie Day at the Caf

Meagan Nouhra (VP-Outreach/Logistics)

Alexandria, VA

Government and American Studies / 2011

Favorite Dr. Seuss Book: The Lorax

Will Ozbun

Vicenza, Italy

Government and Environmental Studies / 2013

Favorite Book: The Picture of Dorian Gray

Maggie Ryan

Long Island, NY

African Studies / 2010

Favorite Activity: Slip and Sliding

Eliza Spear (VP-Member Education)

Kennett Square, PA

Sustainability / 2013

Favorite Pattern: “Like, a gentle wave.”

Marigene Willson

Charlottesville, VA

Psychology and Pre-Med / 2013

Favorite Thing I Miss about Home: Slurpee runs with my little bro.

Sae Mi Yun

Centreville, VA

Government and History / 2011

(One of) Favorite Movie: The Emperor’s New Groove