YANA to organise free charity event for children living with HIV & AIDS in Kohima

The organisers and members of YANA, announcing the free charity event scheduled to be held at the Heritage, Kohima on July 20. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express News 
Dimapur | July 18 
A charity event intended to create public awareness and promote education on HIV & AIDS and help those children in-need in Nagaland is scheduled to be held on July 20 at the Heritage (old DC bungalow), Kohima. 

The initiative is being arranged by You Are Not Alone (YANA), an organisation founded to create awareness on this particular issue.

Announcing this at a press conference in Dimapur on July 18, Buraakum Ao, advisor of YANA stated that the event will be graced by Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant and will feature an evening of music, entertainment and get together for the public. 

The gates at venue will be open from 2:00 PM onwards, with the formal programme slated to begin from 4:00 PM and free entry for all.
Among the artists expected to perform were Sentien Kichu, Kevitho, Keneisenuo Sorhie, KL Pamei, Moko Koza and DJ Ina.

In between the concert, a fashion show event will also be featured showcasing clothing designs from HM Hmingwawaii among others as well.  The entire evening will be hosted by Ruopfuzhano Whiso, Femina Miss India Nagaland 2018. 

Ao noted that the proceeds collected from the charity will help in benefiting children living with HIV particularly those from Kohima and Dimapur. 

Vinoto Ayemi, co-convenor of YANA mentioned that several stalls will setup at the venue featuring arts and craft made by the members
“Our objective is not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire positive actions among the youth and the broader community,” the organisers stated. 

Kenei Ritse, Miss Northeast 2023 meanwhile viewed that to inorder break the stigma of this disease, community care is crucial. “We are organising this as a way to tell people that not only do they need self-care but also community care,” she said. 

Strela Luwang from Manipur and Femina Miss India 2023, second runner-up shared that promoting awareness goes a long way in educating people on this issue. 

Founded in the year 2023, YANA as a group aims to support and empower young people through community building projects along with encouraging personal and social development. Among its other objectives, the members highlighted that they intend to create spaces for youths to congregate, share experiences, facilitate community service, develop peer support networks and launch pertinent campaigns affecting them.