By Thomas Palak
This summer, on a family visit to Ghana, University of Calgary student Kim Schoon became an honorary chief of the country’s Manya Krobo Queen Mothers Association.
"It was one of the biggest honours of my life," recalled Schoon.
This privilege, reserved for only the most respected and trusted within the community, came as a result of her affiliation with the Global AIDS Awareness Group, a campus organization dedicated to raising the public profile of HIV/AIDS.
"The Queen Mothers wished to acknowledge the faith they have in the partnership with the Global AIDS Awareness Group, which I am a part of," said Schoon. "In Ghana, trust is not upheld by a written contract. It is conveyed through a social honour such as this. I now have a special responsibility to uphold with the Queen Mothers."
Part of this responsibility includes the sale of the Ghanaian group’s beads and clothing in Calgary. The proceeds will enable the Queen Mothers to finance community education programs, HIV/AIDS testing, and provide ongoing care for over 600 orphans who are afflicted with AIDS.
At a panel discussion in March, 2003 U of C political science professor Dr. Don Ray outlined his HIV/AIDS prevention work with the 300-member Queen Mothers. Soon after Dr. Ray’s presentation, Schoon came up with the idea to parlay her visit to Ghana into a diplomatic mission of sorts. Dr. Ray was indispensable in setting up an initial meeting with the Queen Mothers. However, it wasn’t until the second visit that she received her completely unexpected honour.
"It was quite a shock," remembered Schoon. "There were about 50 Queen Mothers present in the room, all wearing blue and white outfits signifying the notion of coming out of the darkness of HIV/AIDS, and into the light of compassion and acceptance. They were so warm and welcoming, I felt overwhelmed by their love."
This honour is a direct result of action taken by Schoon and GAAG members to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa on a local level.