In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we are proud to present our "Impact Evaluation" selection:

Entry = Perhaps it is the first time for Chinese people to see this film. We translated this film into Chinese and played it in a HIV/AIDS advocacy-training course for mass media workers in Yunnan , which is one of the provinces facing serious HIV/AIDS epidemic in China . We drew profound inspiration from the stories in this film and it aroused sympathy of the trainees: “In China, HIV/AIDS sounds like a sensitive topic, but actually it is not a issue that we feel hard to talk about, the key to the topic is the way how you talk about it.” “We live in the different culture, different political and economic environment, but we can find the same way to give a positive report on people living with HIV/AIDS.” “When I see their bright life, I believe their positive attitude will inspire other people with hope. Our country and community need the support like this” “It is necessary for people to realize that HIV/AIDS is a profound social problem, we need to control it with active actions and positive attitude. Everybody should see this film.” “This film used true stories instead of homily to affect audience and all the trainees are deeply impressed.”

We were impressed with all the testimonies and appreciate your participation. Because there were so many great testimonies, we decided to randomly share some of the excerpts from other entries:

"We benefited a lot from the manual of this film. Usually the non-health communication workers don't know how to effectively use IEC materials but the professional guidance by this manual enlightened us. We hope that China can produce such kind of film and make people better understand HIV/AIDS."

"After watching the film, a community leader remarked in an emotional tone 'AIDS does not kill: lack of care for the infected person is what kills'"

A student observed that “...many people are HIV negative. We too can remain negative if we shun risky behaviors.” These voices are really positive unlike others that end with "on so and so date, this or that person died."

"I use it to survive as HIV + person."

"The impact to me was quite simple. As someone that has been in the fight against HIV/AIDS for 15 years now, I was very close to burn out! But after watching the film, I feel rejuvenated and ready and willing to continue the fight!"

"After the tape ran for its estimated 29 minutes, silence prevail in the auditorium which occupy our 26 guests…When the master of ceremony call for donation, we received about 870f our Feb. Village Evangelistic Show estimated budget. It has never happened before. Our highest fund raising dinner income was in April 2002 when we received about 350f our estimated budget. We thank you and we are happy to share our testimony you all. Thanks."

"HIV POSITIVE VOICES was telecast by Impact Counseling Centre (ICC) on one of the local cable TV network The Global Chapters in Nagarjan village covering eight colonies… The following week we got calls from parents, young people (especially students) and churches requesting for more information on HIV/AIDS. Two churches were particularly interested in running church awareness programs so the ICC decide to help them plan program and will be conducting in the month of April 2005.

"The film has given me the confidence to educate and counsel persons living with the HIV that life could still be meaningful if they accept their present status of health and modify their lifestyle. Since I started watching or using the film, the number of people I have counseled has tripled. The reactions of infected persons have changed from that of suicidal tendencies to acceptance and modification of lifestyles."