Taking HIV AIDS to the Workplace: Glenarys - A Postive Example

Hari from Shanker Foundation speaking to the Glenary's staff

Birthdays are never complete in Darjeeling without a cake from Glenarys. Glenarys is one of the oldest and most loved bakeries here. It has grown and added a resto-bar and the Restaurant still serves the best sizzlers in town, but the essence of Glenarys lies in its bakery. You must be wondering why Glenarys is featured so prominently in an article on HIV/AIDS. The truth is, Glenarys is the first private commercial establishment in Darjeeling that has organized an awareness program for its 150 strong staff on HIV/AIDS including alcoholism and drug addiction.

Shanker Foundation was invited to conduct an awareness program for its staff on the 7th of July. Hari from Shanker Foundation, Uncle Rajen from Kripa, together with other members conducted the awareness program in two sessions. Ajoy Edwards, the proprietor of Glenary’s and the staff listened with rapt attention. Hari, demystified the basics of HIV/AIDS with a clarity that left little room for doubt among the staff. He also spoke on the types of Sexually Transmitted Disease and Reproductive Tract Infection. Lawrence, a member, gave demonstrations on how to effectively use a condom to protect oneself from HIV/AIDS and STDs. This session was naturally punctuated by giggles and downcast eyes. Sex is something we don’t talk about candidly here and the fact that a person starts a condom demonstration was uncomfortable for some. But this is what these HIV/AIDS awareness are meant to do, break the silence on HIV/AIDS that is linked with sex, drugs and promiscuity in the conscience of the community.

Then Lawrence shared his experiences and explained why he has come out in the open with his positive status. He said “I don’t wish that anybody should go through what I have gone through” and therefore he was standing in front of them. This line touched the hearts of the staff. It was a powerful message that has according to Mr. Edwards motivated three of his staff members to organize and invite Shaker Foundation to conduct similar programs in their community. They have even volunteered to get themselves tested which is a huge step.

Mr. Edwards stressed on eliminating stigma and discrimination. He gave an important example of the early days of Tuberculosis (TB) when people with TB were socially ostracized, when marrying into a family with a member with T.B was considered equivalent to embracing death. He was very appreciative of the work done by the members of SF describing that their job was not just another job but a mission. He said that to talk about HIV/AIDS is one of the ways to prevent it.

When I asked the staff of Glenarys what they thought of the program, everyone said it was very informative. Binod Valmiki, told me that he had never discussed HIV/AIDS nor had he ever attended such a program! Most of the staff members had heard about HIV/AIDS but the information they had was vague and hearsay. But what they had now was detailed information on HIV/AIDS and a reference point where they could address their questions and doubts i.e. the Shanker Foundation.

An important response from the staff was their increased compassion and understanding about People Living with HIV/AIDS. There were many in the staff that were Hari’s classmates and commented on the fact that they were pleasantly surprised to find him so spirited and smarter.

This awareness programme on HIV/AIDS in Glenarys has been one of the first in a commercial establishment/workplace. A lot of people cannot afford to attend workshops and awareness due to work schedule and other circumstancesl, therefore, such awareness conducted in the workplace reaches out to the layman very effectively. It also brings about change in the way PLWA are perceived in the workplace and allows them to continue working for their present organisations without the fear of being removed or prejudiced.

Are other organisations equally brave enough to invite us for a sensitization programme?

Lets wait and see... my fingers are still crossed.

Report compiled by Tashi (Friends of Shanker)
She can be contacted at tashi5_sherpa@hotmail.com