Thanks to the continued support of AFT locals and members around the country, the work of the AFT-Africa AIDS Campaign is expanding in Africa. From a small, pilot project in Zimbabwe two years ago, the effort to assist African teacher unions has now spread to South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and other African countries. More than 12,000 African teachers have been trained as AIDS educators, giving them the information and resources they need to work with their colleagues and help combat the spread of the AIDS epidemic in one of the world’s most impoverished areas.

In South Africa, as many as 60,000 teachers are expected to die before the decade is out. In Kenya, officials estimate that 70 teachers die of complications from AIDS each month. Similar numbers are being seen throughout the continent.

AFT members and locals have done outstanding work in raising funds for the programs in Africa. More than $145,000 has been collected through the distribution of commemorative pins. A number of AFT locals have been recognized as "Golden Locals" in the fundraising campaign ($2.50 per member): Bellmore-Merrick United Secondary Teachers in New York, Gary Teachers Union in Indiana, Providence Teachers Union in Rhode Island and Cook County College Teachers Union in Chicago, Illinois. More than 70 locals have participated in the campaign, with 20 locals contributing more than $1 per member. All of the funds are used by teacher unions in Africa on HIV/AIDS programs for their members.

The AFT Black Caucus New York State Chapter, chaired by Leroy Barr, helped to raise more than $11,000 for the campaign. The caucus created a fundraising committee, chaired by Frances Brown and Maggie Martin, who were recognized by the AFT-Africa AIDS Campaign with the 2004 National Service Award at the NYSUT representative assembly in March 2004. [July 2004]