May is Child Month in Jamaica, which I wrote a bit about the other day. In honour of Child Month, Unicef Jamaica is engaging in a public awareness campaign about some of the challenges faced by the nation’s children. As part of the campaign, Unicef is telling  unbelievable stories from children who face things that not even an adult should have to deal with.

Unicef’s campaign hinges on social media, and it is engaging a “Street Team” of local “influencers” to help spread the message. It really is a unique and innovative way of reaching young people and those who are active and vocal on social media. As opposed to traditional media campaigns, social media is so much more interactive and instantaneous and allows for discussion and exchange of ideas. Perhaps as a result of this, it seems more conducive to encouraging immediate action.

In any case, the campaign tells the stories of individuals like Itisha, who was raped by her uncle at the age of 12. She later learned she had contracted HIV as a result. The story ran in the Gleaner the other day, and it is a powerful message of hope and survival. Listen to Itisha talk about her ordeal:

“I put on a plastic smile and told everyone I was good,” she reflects.  “I withdrew from everybody. I had nightmares and would get up and cry until daylight sometimes. I did not know who to talk to, so I got out a book. I started writing everything I was feeling.”

Luckily, Itisha found support from a social worker named “Mr. Brown,” who told her during a moment of crisis the words she had always needed to hear: “I am with you, always.”

Racquel, who is also profiled in the article, was not so fortunate in terms of finding a supportive environment. Racquel was raped by her stepfather and as a result, was infected with HIV. Initially, Racquel felt alone with this horrible truth, but she ultimately found support through a Unicef program and then local NGO Eve for Life, where she became fast friends with Itisha. Both women are now thriving and are no longer solely defined by their past experiences.

The Gleaner is running these stories in partnership with Unicef Jamaica, which, through its Adolescent Health and Empowerment Program, works to provide policies and services that reduce vulnerability and infection rates amongst youth.

I encourage you to visit Unicef Jamaica’s Facebook page or look up hashtag #WeMatterToo on Twitter. Or just click the link about and read the Gleaner’s story.