Step into Africa through interactive AIDS exhibit in Westlake Village

An interactive exhibit which calls attention to the plight of African children affected by AIDS is coming to Westlake Village.

The 2,340-square-foot display will be at Calvary Community Church from Aug. 22 to 26. Staffed by 300 volunteers, the free presentation will be open to the public.

Visitors will walk though a replica of an African village while listening on headsets to stories of four children who were afflicted with AIDS and assisted by World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice worldwide.

"World Vision, unfortunately, cannot take thousands of Americans to Africa to witness the tragedy of the AIDS pandemic personally," said Richard E. Stearns, World Vision president and CEO. "So we've created this exhibit to enable people to 'step into Africa' and learn more about effects of the greatest humanitarian disaster of our time and how they can help. No one can do everything, but each of us can to something to help turn the tide against AIDS."

During the 30-minute journey, guests will see photos and items belonging to the child whose story they are listening to. They will visit a chapel area, where they may leave a written prayer and find out ways to get involved.

"Attendees will learn much. And they will be changed," said Martha Miller, an exhibit organizer from Westminster Presbyterian.

The goal of the AIDS Experience is to educate people and encourage them to help through prayer, monetary support, sponsoring a World Vision child, organizing a group to package World Vision care kits or getting involved in an African-based ministry or AIDS initiative, Miller said.

"Millions of sufferers need our help today, and the AIDS pandemic will increasingly affect our lives. So the ultimate goal? Challenge visitors to do something, their part, to change the course of this devastating disease," Miller said. "The worldwide AIDS pandemic and its resulting suffering will be halted only if millions of people get involved."

World Vision advises parents who plan to bring their children that the exhibit could be considered as having a PG-13 rating.

"The messaging is appropriate for junior high school students and fifthgraders who are aware of issues of global suffering. The stories and sights are done sensitively but are still graphic for younger children," Miller said.

The project is touring the country. Before coming to the Conejo Valley, the display stopped in Lancaster and Orange County. The exhibit is slated to reach 80 cities by the end of the year. As many as 5,000 visitors are expected to tour the exhibit at Calvary. In addition to Calvary and Oaks Christian School, five area churches—Westminster Presbyterian, Bethany Church on the Hill, Christian Church of Thousand Oaks, Conejo Valley Community and Moorpark Presbyterian—are sponsoring and organizing the event.

The project came to Westlake Village through Jeff Witten, an Agoura Hills resident and member of Westminster Presbyterian. Witten is also area director for advancement for World Vision. He approached Calvary, which has the space to accommodate the large exhibit.