The Community AIDS Education and Outreach Program

Education: The key to eradication

Educating and informing the public of the effects of HIV and AIDS are the keys to combating the overwhelming challenges facing many communities disproportionately affected by this disease. The objective of the Community AIDS Education and Outreach Program is to deliver effective HIV/AIDS messages. Through a variety of community education and outreach mediums, our students bring needed attention and heighten community awareness of the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS on the community.

Specific outreach initiatives include inspiring performances by the Children’s Choir, distribution of medical information on HIV/AIDS prevention methods in radio, print, and lecture formats. Community-focused events also heighten awareness of the effects of HIV/AIDS in hopes of having a direct impact that will result in decreased numbers of new HIV/AIDS cases in the community.

The Nyaka Anti-AIDS Children’s Choir

The Nyaka Anti-AIDS Children’s Choir is an integral part of our program. The children perform songs, plays, and distribute literature during their performances to educate the audiences on the far-reaching effects that AIDS has had on them, their family structure, and community.

Reaching by Radio

The students of Nyaka also contribute to a bi-monthly radio program on Radio Kinkiizi in Kihihi Town. During the show, they sing songs about women’s, grandmothers', and orphans' rights. Additional topics include caring for HIV-positive family and friends, sanitation, government programs, local and national news, sports, and facts about HIV/AIDS. Speaking on the radio is a very empowering experience for the children as they know 250,000 people are listening to their voices.