Ambassador Wayne Congratulates Argentine Winner of 'My Hero 2008" International Award

November 26, 2008

Ambassador Wayne with Alejandro Pompei

On November 26, Ambassador Wayne met Alejandro Pompei, a 20-year old youth working for Fundacion Huesped in the prevention of HIV-AIDS and congratulated him for receiving a very important award by the international organization “AID for AIDS”, for his political involvement in the fight against HIV and his talent as a communicator. The ceremony will take place in New York on Dec. 1 during a gala dinner in commemoration of the World Aids Day.

The award recently announced while Alejandro was in Mexico actively participating in the World Aids Congress is being granted for the documentary he filmed on Aids and his life with the disease when he was sixteen. The documentary showed how a 16-year old kid with HIV lives, ruling out the stigma of living with the disease. This is the first time the organization “Aid for Aids” grants this award to a youth leader. 

During the meeting with the Ambassador, Alejandro said he works to share with other youngsters his experience with the disease and the struggle against prejudice and discrimination while highlighting the importance of family love and education as the main support and thrust to live a positive life.

"For his leadership and solidarity, Alejandro is an example of hope and self-improvement to other youngsters suffering from Aids and shows a normal life is possible while sharing experiences with the rest of society," noted Ambassador Wayne.

Who is Alejandro

Alejandro is part of the first generation of children born with HIV in Argentina. At the early age of 16, Alejandro filmed a documentary called “Playing in Silence…” on Aids and his life with the disease while also showing the importance of a caring family and the possibility of having a normal life in spite of the disease. The film was made under the auspices and with the participation of the National Film Institute (INCAA). It was shown a couple of months ago in five local cinemas and is currently being showcased in the interior. 

Alejandro has finished his secondary studies and has a music group, a group of friends and is an active member of Fundación Huésped where he works in the prevention of Aids among youngsters. For this reason, the Foundation has nominated Alejandro to the “My Hero 2008” AID for AIDS Award.

Ambassador Wayne highlighted the importance of public-private cooperation and NGOs work to recognize other heroes like Alejandro around the world and noted:  “Helping our friends with HIV must be part of the society’s effort  as a whole.”

Finally, the Ambassador wished good luck to Alejandro in his trip and lots of success both in his future activities related to documentary film making for the Internet and his music group presentations.