Combating prejudices with football, dance and drama

Children and teens campaign against HIV/AIDS

If malaria can be transmitted through a mosquito’s bite, why can't HIV? And why is the stitch of a used needle so dangerous? Junito, from the youth organisation AJUPIS, answers these and other questions patiently and clearly. Those who ask the questions are students from a secondary school in Matendene, a suburb of Mozambique's capital city Maputo. The teenagers are in 10th grade, and between 14 and 16 years old. HIV/AIDS is particularly prevalent in the cities, and young people are especially at risk. Nevertheless, AIDS is still a taboo that parents do not discuss with their children and that is rarely addressed in schools. In addition, traditional teaching approaches do not provide much room for discussion. AJUPIS tries to bridge this gap with it's interactive training seminars in schools.

Background

The figures speak for themselves: An estimated 15% of the population aged 15 – 49 years in Mozambique is living with HIV or AIDS – 1.6 million people. Women, city dwellers and people living in the southern and central regions of the country are particularly vulnerable to the immune deficiency disease. HIV testing kits or medicine are not available or accessible for everyone, especially in rural areas.

Factors that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Mozambique are: low condom use, high mobility and migration, gender inequality and violence against women and girls. This also affects children and adolescents: about 810.000 children in Mozambique have lost their father, mother or both parents to AIDS. These children and adolescents often have to take care of themselves. They often have to take on the responsibility of doing the housework and looking after siblings. They are forced into adult roles too early – taking away their ability to enjoy a normal, carefree childhood.

The good deed

AJUPIS specifically targets children and teenagers. Health organisations such as UNAIDS identify young people aged 12-24 as the most important target group for preventive HIV/AIDS education. AJUPIS organises awareness-raising activities in schools, parishes and local markets - often supported by its' drama group that manages to explain the topic in a vivid and comprehensible way. Additionally AJUPIS organises house visits that reach roughly 600 families. The annual football tournament reaches an additional 1.000 people.

Challenge

Is it possible for a small, voluntary organisation to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS or is it just a mere drop in the ocean? The success of AJUPIS gives reason for optimism: if the activists manage to up-scale their project and therewith expand the reach and intensity of their educational work - the project might have an impact way beyond the suburb.