March 14, 2005 - 8:00pm
By Rebecca Shoval
"Help, Understand and Guide Me," or HUG Me, is Cornell's newest addition to the University's state-wide initiative, "Talking With Kids About HIV/AIDS." HUG Me, started by Ed Pettitt '05 and other Cornell students and staff, enables discussion about HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases with children and young adults.
Participants work as an intergenerational link between parents and youth. Trainees are encouraged not to lecture but to educate and empower youths. The program encourages sexual education from infancy, teaching young children about their bodies and germs.