Team Goemkarponn
COLLEM: The iCAN Leadership Camp 2024, organized by the Human Touch Foundation, welcomed 54 young leaders and adolescents living with HIV from Goa, Nagpur, Odisha, and beyond for a week-long journey from 6th to 12th November in Collem, Goa. Through carefully curated sessions and activities, the camp provided these young participants with a safe, empowering environment to explore Confidence, Connection, and Change. This flagship program, made possible by generous sponsors including M S K Construction Pvt. Ltd., GKB Hi-Tech Lenses Pvt. Ltd., Alcon Victor Group, Society of Pilar; Club Mahindra, Varca; Novotel Hotels and Resort, Candolim; and Turbocam India Pvt. Ltd., was dedicated to helping young people break free from the stigma of HIV, build resilience, and develop a vision for a promising future.
In the opening days of the camp, participants engaged in activities designed to foster self-confidence and self-worth. Workshops on Personal Strengths Discovery and exercises like the Trust Game helped campers connect with their inner strengths, encouraged them to embrace their unique identities, and built trust among peers. These sessions set the stage for what many would later call a life-changing week. Ajay, a young camper, shared, “This camp gave me the confidence to believe in myself for the first time. I learned that I’m not alone on this journey, and I feel stronger knowing there are people who support me.”
As the camp progressed, the focus shifted to leadership, self-care, and peer support. Through interactive sessions and team challenges, campers explored ways to lead with empathy and strengthen their ability to support one another. These sessions included role-playing activities and an HIV Awareness Quiz, which empowered participants to become knowledgeable advocates for themselves and their communities. Masooma Shaikh, the camp coordinator, reflected, “Resilience is at the heart of iCAN. Each of these young people has faced challenges and discrimination simply for living with HIV. Here, they learn to rise above those barriers, find confidence in themselves, and build a supportive community that empowers them.”
One of the highlights of the camp was Adventure Day, where campers traveled to Agonda Beach and Cabo de Rama Fort. The day allowed them to connect with nature, bond over shared experiences, and draw parallels between the fort’s historic resilience and their own inner strength. The evening concluded with a spirited BBQ party back at camp, where laughter, stories, and camaraderie filled the air. For many, this day symbolized a new sense of freedom and friendship, with the group’s support as a foundation for future challenges.
Campfire Night and the Cultural Evening added further depth to the camp’s theme of connection and self-expression. Around the campfire, campers shared personal stories of courage, resilience, and hope, finding a safe and understanding space to express experiences often left unspoken. Later, the Cultural Evening provided an opportunity for campers to showcase their talents through music, dance, and storytelling, receiving support and encouragement from their peers. Rahul, one of the campers, reflected, “iCAN has shown me that my story matters and that I can overcome any challenge. I never thought I’d feel this hopeful, and now I can say I truly believe in myself.”
As the camp came to a close, campers left with a sense of empowerment, new friendships, and cherished memories, each carrying the tools to face the world with renewed resilience. The generous support from M S K Construction Pvt. Ltd., GKB Hi-Tech Lenses Pvt. Ltd., Alcon Victor Group, Society of Pilar; Club Mahindra, Varca; Novotel Hotels and Resort, Candolim; and Turbocam India Pvt. Ltd. was instrumental in creating this impactful experience, which will serve as a foundation of Confidence, Connection, and Change for each participant as they step into the future.
The iCAN Leadership Camp 2024 is more than just a week-long experience; it’s a life-changing journey that equips young people living with HIV to see beyond the limitations of stigma and to step confidently into a future defined by resilience and possibility. The Human Touch Foundation, together with its sponsors and supporters, has fostered a space of acceptance, growth, and courage, helping these young leaders forge a path toward a brighter tomorrow.
