World AIDS Day (Dec 1st) was marked in Oxford by the official launch of AIDS charity, 'Teach a Child - Africa' (TaC). In 2008 TaC aims to provide educational bursaries for 50 children in Kenya orphaned by AIDS to enable them to receive a secondary education.

Supporters met at New Road Baptist Church, Oxford, where founder and executive director, Pamela O'honde, gave a moving account of the impact of HIV and AIDS in Nyanza, Kenya where she grew up.

Ms O'honde said, "Most of the children orphaned by HIV and AIDS in Nyanza province have been taken in by their extended family, which is the traditional system of support. However, the increasing number of orphaned and vulnerable children is now overwhelming this traditional copying mechanism." She reminded supporters; "You and I have the power in what we say or do to make a difference in restoring hope to the victims of this scourge."

Guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Myra Blyth, Former Deputy General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, commended TaC on focusing strategically on the issue of education.

Celebrity, Mister Seed, and business woman Mrs. Mabel Mark, represented the Kenyan community in the UK. Other speakers included Gillian Temple, Oxfam's Head of Education and Youth.

Some supporters had traveled far, including William Oduor, the TaC representative from Denmark and Aketch Obat Masira from Kenya representing the Misango Arts Ensemble.

Local supporters included BBC radio presenter Bill Heine and former Lord Mayor of Oxford, Jim Campbell. Councillor Campbell said, "Teach a Child is a small charity which can have a huge impact for young people in Kenya."

The charity is appealing for donations so that they can raise the £12,500 needed to educate 50 children in 2008.