HAYLEY LEARCH
Staff Writer
Pepperdine senior Wondirad Assefa Tsegaye is working to raise AIDS awareness across campus through the student organization, “You and I for the Universe (YIFTU).” He moved from Ethiopia six years ago, and brought his vision with him.
“Pepperdine is the perfect place to do it — we have faith. All faith requires is to help out,” said Tsegaye of his decision to establish YIFTU earlier this semester.
The student-run organization includes 20 active members who meet every Monday at 6:30 p.m. in Room 234 of Appleby Center. Stephanie Cupp, of the Pepperdine Center for Faith and Learning, is the group’s supervisor.
Cupp said the group plans to stop the spread of HIV by raising awareness, educating students about the virus, serving those who are suffering and by supporting global efforts and research.
The group seeks to educate Pepperdine students in particular about their risk of acquiring the virus.
“People don’t seem to know that it’s serious. They think that it’s out there, but they don’t think that they can get it,” Tseyage said. The group will distribute fliers with AIDS statistics to Pepperdine students.
In addition to raising awareness on campus, YIFTU is committed to working in the community. Members participated in the AIDS Walk Los Angeles on Oct. 16. They visited the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a hospice in Los Angeles, a few weeks ago. “They are forgotten, they are ignored and they are targets of discrimination and stigma,” said Tseyage of AIDS patients. “We are trying to erase that too.”
As part of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, Tsegaye and others are organizing the Lives at Stake program, which will be sponsored by World Vision.
Photos of orphans who have lost their parents to AIDS will be placed on stakes around campus.
Each student participant will select a photo to wear around his or her neck and will be urged to pray for that child. The group also plans to organize an AIDS Walk around Pepperdine’s campus.
YIFTU is encouraging students to take advantage of free HIV testing through the Student Health Center. Testing will occur Dec. 6 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
They also plan to orchestrate a presentation by Steve Haas, a minister with World Vision who has worked with AIDS patients around the world.
The presentation would be held in January and Convocation credit may be offered.
YIFTU is making strides to achieve AIDS awareness.
Cupp, as the group’s supervisor, has played an integral role in activities.
As a registered nurse who has worked with many AIDS patients, Cupp said she wants students to realize that they could be affected.
She wants to raise awareness so that individuals have the tools necessary to prevent being infected with HIV.
Not only is Cupp personally devoted to this cause, but Tsegaye has lost many loved ones to the virus.
“I don’t want anybody to die of this horrible disease, to die because of ignorance,” Tsegaye said.
As the group’s president, Tsegaye has been instrumental in alerting students about meetings and upcoming events.
Tsegaye said he is passionate about AIDS awareness at Pepperdine, in the surrounding community and throughout the world.
“I have been humbled and inspired by his vision,” said Cupp of Tsegaye’s dedication to YIFTU.
If students would like to help broaden this vision and receive more information, they can contact Cupp at scupp@pepperdine.edu or Tsegaye at wondiradassefatsegaye@pepperdine.edu.
11-17-2005