Imphal, May 05 2009: Amidst all the outcries against the numerous human rights violations and atrocities occurring in the state of Manipur, HIV/AIDS still remains, perhaps, as one of the biggest issues of the state with the stigmas, discriminations surrounding it besides over 30, 000 HIV positives recorded in the state.

However, of lately, the issue has been directed towards children living with the disease and their welfare especially education.

Taking up one such initiative is the Carmelite Sisters commonly known as Nirmalabas sisters which established the Carmel Jyoti, a care centre for children living with HIV/AIDS.

Set up on February 20, 2008, the centre supports about 45 HIV/AIDS infected and affected children out of which 24 are on ART and looks into their education.

Addressing the foundation day on March 31 last, Sr.

Pauline George asserted the main objective of Carmel Jyoti was to give education to the poor.

Organised jointly by the Carmel Jyoti family, CRS partners, Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+), SASO, Kripa Foundation, Bosco Mangal, Sneha Bhavan and Congregation of Mount Carmel (CMC) at Luwangsangbam Mantripukhri, the occasion called for more care of the children who were in need of special care and support.

The occasion further called for education of these children.

As per reports, many of the children at the Carmel Jyoti talking to the press narrated of a change in their lives after having come to foundation and being taken care of by the Carmelite sisters.

The children also narrated of how their health improved, the care being taken of and about their educations too.

Besides, Education Director (S) Mangshatabam Harekrishna stressed on the need for education of children living with HIV/AIDS.

Addressing a one-day Philanthropists Convention on April 18 last at the State Youth Centre Conference hall at Khuman Lampak, he stated that one should not neglect the education of the children.

He also appreciated the effort taken up by the MNP+ in looking after the welfare of the children with HIV/AIDS.

The occasion organised by MNP+ under the aegis of Education Support for Children Living with HIV also called upon various civil societies of the state to look into the welfare of the children.

According to reports, MNP+ along with other noble philanthropists launched education support of 40 (forty) children form six district living with the disease and affected by the pandemic on January 18 of this year.

No doubt, HIV/AIDS is a major issue in the state.

However, the issue has become a matter of great concern in the state especially in terms of their health conditions and education.

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