After months of preparations, today our Networking Zone finally opened! During the day, many people visited our booth to learn more about our work, play the soccer game and have their picture taken with an original Austrian hat.
Of course, it is not only about fun: our evening programme contained two sessions about HIV prevention for youth.
The Hope Kit: a good practice from Malawi
Felix Limbani from YONECO Malawi shared the Hope Kit, that:
- Helps to open the dialogue on HIV and related issues
- Strategically promotes the “ABC” prevention measures
- Increase self-esteem among youth and empowers them to prevent HIV infection
Through a series of practical exercises the participants were confronted with common challenges that youth face in daily life.
The Narrow Bridge: an exercise from the Hope Kit
Participants had to cross a river with dangerous animals, such as alligators and hippos. As the only way to reach the other side was by using a very narrow bridge, there was a risk of falling into the water. This would expose them to serious dangers. In order to save lives, a second safety bridge was built parallel to the narrow bridge. Now, participants could use the parallel bridge whenever they felt like falling. This example represented the various options to prevent yourself from HIV. The first bridge symbolised abstinence and being faithful. In case it proved impossible to stick to these two options, one could choose to use the safety bridge which represent condom use or moral support from family, the church, or others.
Using theatre as a vehicle for change
Patsime is a Zimbabwean organisation that uses theatre, media and other communication strategies to address HIV and AIDS and related development issues. In their work they mainly focus on gender, disability, reproductive health, drug abuse, and children’s rights. Today’s session was about child abuse. Jasen Mphepo hosted a powerful one-man show that portrayed the vulnerability of children suffering abuse. After the play, Tawanda shared Patsime’s experiences with the audience. A lively interaction started between the presenter and the audience. Common challenges were discussed, and good practices from organisations coming from Africa to the Caribbean were shared. This was a promising start of the week.
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