This manual was designed to support Namibia's Youth Health and Development Programme, which is a joint effort of the Government of the Republic of Namibia and the United Nations Children Fund (GRN-UNICEF). This publication aims to sustain graduates from the My Future is My Choice programme and other young people’s peer education activities. It provides step by step guidance to young people wishing to set up and/or participate in AIDS Awareness Clubs, in which young people can use peer methods to educate one another about responsible sexuality.

Topics include:

• What are “peers” and “peer education”?
• Where to begin: Getting your club off the ground
• Following through: Evaluating your goals
• Finding resources: Fundraising ideas for clubs
• Spreading the word: Publicising club meetings, activities and events

The manual provides guidance on club activities, including group discussions; writing letters in advice columns; using pictures and photos to generate discussion about sexual behaviour; holding talks, lectures and panel discussions, and debates and quizzes. Booklets provide suggestions on different media and forums which can be used to encourage responsible behaviour: games, condom demonstrations, dramas and role plays, music and dance, poems and stories, fairs, festivals and sporting events, posters and banners, rallies and walks, community service projects, field trips and educational visits, contests and videos.

The manual also includes annexes, providing summaries of subjects needed by youth and applicable to club activities. These include facts on HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases; sex and reproduction; and alcohol use and abuse. Annexes also include tips on research methods and public speaking.

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EDSNet website on November 10 2004.