THE
NETWORK |
| “Together
we can fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic” Africa Youth Ministries
embraces the principle of networking to fight the AIDS epidemic
and better utilise the scanty available financial resources to implement
projects that contribute towards the prevention of new HIV infections.
Africa Youth Ministries Uganda is a member of the AB Network, this
is a forum of mostly Faith Based Agencies that have committed themselves
to promoting the AB strategy that is Abstinence for the unmarried
and Be faithful to the married. |
|
| Similarly,
Africa Youth Ministries is working at joining the Southern Africa
& Global networks of organisations using sports as a medium
of communication to bring to communities the messages of HIV/AIDS
Prevention. The idea to use sport as a vehicle to address HIV/AIDS
issues was developed in Zambia and Kenya, and the concept spread
to other countries. The result was the formation of the Kicking
AIDS Out! Network in 2002. |
|
| Kicking
AIDS Out! is an international network of organisations working together
to use sport and physical activity as a means of raising awareness
about HIV/AIDS and motivating behavioural change amongst the youth.
The Kicking AIDS Out! Network believes that “sport and physical
activity is the best way of attracting this target group and creating
an environment conducive to sharing positive messages about HIV/AIDS”.
|
|
| Kicking
AIDS Out! is a broad concept of integrating sport skills and life
skills in physical activities at different levels of implementation.
Depending on the focus of the individual organisation, Kicking AIDS
Out! activities can be sport specific or involve movement games
in Physical Education. Even drama, dance or poetry are used to spread
a positive message about HIV/AIDS and other life skills areas. |
|
Go
Girl! |
|
|
| Empowering
female role models in sport like referees and coaches plays an important
role in the work of the different organisations, and Kicking AIDS
Out of Uganda! is a good tool in these processes. When it comes
to preventing teen pregnancy, few make the link with women’s
sports participation. Common sense and a growing body of research
suggests, however, that creating opportunities for girls to play
a key role in reducing teen pregnancy. |
|
| Girls
who play sports are likely than those who don’t to be virgins.
They wait longer before having sex for the first time, have sex.
When Girls participate in sports or other physical activities, they
report higher levels of self esteem and wait longer before having
sex for the first time. |
|
Body
language |
| Sport
and physical activity is all about using your body and exploring
its possible improvement. If you know your own body well, you will
want to know how to protect it. Sport can show you how the body
works and what happens when it its sick or injured. Right to Play
states again under “Look after Yourself, look after One Another” |
|
“All
children need to learn that they have some control over their bodies,
and that the choices they make and actions they take will affect
their health. Girls, in particular, need to learn that their bodies
can be self-controlled, and do not belong to others. The essence
of body wisdom is clear in sport: respect for the body, for its
beauty, its ability, and its potential.”
Knowing how to keep your self fit and how to treat injuries is an
important part of physical education and sport leadership. This
knowledge not only helps the youth understand how they can protect
themselves in sport, but also how physical activity is an essential
part of caring for yourself if you are infected with HIV. |
|
Peer
Leadership |
| Africa
Youth Ministries Uganda use the concept of peer leadership in their
approach towards youth. Youth listen to youth. Sex is known as a
taboo issue in many African cultures, and young people all over
the world find it difficult to discuss sex related questions with
adults. Sport creates an arena where youth come together to have
fun, but also to talk about things that are important to them. Africa
Youth Ministries Uganda through Kicking AIDS Out of Uganda! helps
bringing up different issues for discussion in a safe environment.
Peer leaders can help facilitate these discussions, or just be there
for individuals if they need to talk to someone they trust. |
|
| As
an example, EDUSPORT in Zambia has developed a system of peer leadership
where young players are given HIV/AIDS and leadership training,
and the responsibility to build up their own team of younger players
with whom they run Kicking AIDS Out! activities. In 200216, EDUSPORT
had 128 Peer Coaches between the age of 13 and 19, of whom 60% are
female. |
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