What are you going to do about it? That is the question asked by the cast of Degrassi in 2003. Many people of all ages have
no idea just how far-reaching and devastating this global pandemic is. The cast of Degrassi educated themselves and knew that
they had to do something. On behalf of UNICEF, the cast of Degrassi came together to create a call to action; a plead for
help in the form of a video. They know the facts and acted; after you know the facts, what are you going to do about it?
2 minute video on HIV/AIDS
Windows Media 56K / Broadband
Clip from the UNICEF Video: All words and music written by the cast of Degrassi
Windows Media 56K / Broadband (Right-click and "Save Target As")
Quick Time 56K / Broadband (Right-click and "Save Target As")
(look below for lyrics and poetry written by the cast of Degrassi)
Basic Facts:
- AIDS is the fourth-largest cause of death worldwide
- AIDS is the leading cause of death in Sub-Saharan Africa
- 1/3 of all people living with AIDS are under 25
- 2/3 of all infected are women
- As of 2002, 42 million people worldwide have HIV/AIDS
- By 2010, 45 million people will have died from AIDS
- 14 million children have been orphaned by AIDS
- Every minute, 6 people die from AIDS
Find Out More and Take Action:
HIV/AIDS has killed entire generations in some countries. The disease continues to spread. However, there is hope.
Organizations like the One Campaign, UNICEF, UNAIDS, DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria . . . the world is gathering
to stop the pandemic and eventually cure HIV/AIDS. Live 8, organized by Bono, just held 9 simultaneous concerts worldwide
to raise awareness. The world is doing their part, are you going to do yours? Learn more at the following sites, and follow
their advice about what you can do. It’s easier to help than you think.
UNICEF Give It Up For Kids: http://www.giveitup4kids.ca/
The One Campaign: http://www.one.org/
UNAIDS: http://www.unaids.org/en/default.asp
The Global Fund: http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/
DATA: http://www.data.org/
Artists Against AIDS Worldwide: http://www.aaaw.org/index.html
Degrassi Cast Contributions (Lyrics and Poetry)
UNCEF Rap
By Aubrey Graham
Life . . . is so precious . . . and when something comes along and jeopardizes that . . . that feeling of security
. . . it makes you think.
It was proven on the topic most youth knew nothing
I was the same way before I sat through a discussion
And realized it’s so far from a joke and a laugh
See AIDS is a true killer and it’s choking them fast
Orphans remember their parents as ghosts in the past
And carry on living their lives praying and hoping they last
It’s you and I see, we’re left to help out UNICEF
Spread the knowledge and word
Make kids holla “ya heard?”
About the causes and all that’s occurred
Kids are dying in countries and we don’t know it
Concern for their situation how are we going to show it
If we’re informed on the issue, then we can discuss and prevent
Instead of wiping tears that probably get crushed in a tissue
According to some information collected
A population the size of ours is infected
Does that affect you? Or would you just shrug it off?
Or when 42 million people die, can you rub it off
As another mishap? We can talk about it in this rap
And I’m going to make sure you don’t miss that
Prayer
By Cassie Steele
Will I live to see the rain?
I’ve lived enough to se a lifetime of pain.
Everyday, I breathe in sorrow,
Wondering if I’ll see tomorrow.
Every night, I try to sleep,
Cause every day, I’m sinking deep
In an ocean, can’t reach the floor
To a room, can’t find the door.
Does anybody care?
Will they listen to my prayer?
And I die more each day,
Is there some hope, is there a way?
Hold me tight and don’t let go,
This is not a TV show.
Tell me do you understand?
Save our lives and take my hand.
Me and You
By Adamo Ruggiero
I grow chubby, my cheeks so playfully plump,
You grow thin, your frail eyes sing and your skin piles with lumps.
I memorize my mother’s eyes, her smell, and her voice so delicate and fragile,
You only know your mother’s name and her face is what you create and compile.
My father tickles my belly and calls me his best pal, his closest mate,
You father needs more water, he’s dying and your brother says, “where we live it’s fate.”
I grab a bite to eat, then shampoo my hair and iron my jeans,
Your siblings scream with hunger and you are their only means.
I grab my bike and race down to my best friend’s sweet sixteen blast,
You sing yourself Happy Birthday under the rain and pray to God it’s not your last
Now it is my turn to close my eyes and say goodbye,
I am so sorry you had to helplessly watch your precious family die.
UNCEF Song
By Jake Epstein
When you are down and your hours are bleeding
It’s not your fault if you carry a bee
And it it stings all around find a neighbour
Some who cares just enough, just like me.
But in the world everyday they are dying.
Dying to migrate towards the east
To find a different kind of winter
Looking for cures to fight their disease.
Regardless of gender, age and location
The world is not faced with the ultimate tease
Searching for ways to leap over hurdles
Getting first place by any means.
So many people who have it are my age
They do not live with the same kind of ease
Will they know now they hold the same right to
Be as free, happy as everybody
Somebody loves you so you’re not alone
But what if you need them and they are not home
What if your family can’t watch you grow?
How do you get through on your own?
Whatever it takes, I know I can make it through
And if I hold out, I know I can make it through
