WATCH: Uplifting story of HIV+ boxer creating a community gym to battle addiction and discrimination

Ginan Koesmayadi, the founder of Rumah Cemara in Bandung, notes at the beginning of this video that a lack of education means there is still a strong stigma attached to HIV/AIDS in Indonesia. Although there are about 600,000 people living with HIV in Indonesia, much of the general public still believes in inaccurate myths about the disease and how it can be transmitted

Ginan started Rumah Cemara as a place to support other ex-drug users living with HIV, but eventually used it to start a boxing camp for the whole community. Through his dedication to teaching and passion for the sport, he has taught others not only how to find peace through their fists, but also how to battle discrimination and knock down stereotypes.

If you are interested in getting involved in the work being done at Rumah Cemara check out rumahcemara.or.id.

This video comes from Our Better World, a digital storytelling initiative of the Singapore International Foundation, that tell stories about people doing good in Asia to inspire others to take action. Check out their homepage where you can find tons of other great and inspiring stories from Indonesia and the rest of Asia.

 



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