HIV/AIDS Outreach Projects in Tanzania
Africa’s battle with HIV and AIDS is one of the greatest problems facing the continent today. In 2006, 63% of all people infected with HIV were living in sub-Saharan Africa. In the same year an estimated 2.8 million more became infected – more than in the rest of the world put together.
Our HIV outreach projects combine the skills and enthusiasm of student volunteers with local doctors and project leaders. Our aim is to raise awareness about the risks and realities of the virus among key social groups and to improve opportunities for those already living with HIV and AIDS.
For summer 2007, we have teamed up with Dr Tekle Asmerom of the SDA Medical Centre in Arusha, Tanzania, to run two 5-week projects. These will build on the foundation of our pilot project in Ghana last July. The first part of each project will focus on education in schools, particularly with the 15-18 age group. We use a series of informal workshops and activities such as sports to stimulate interest.
The other main area of work explores ways of improving opportunities for people already living with HIV in the Arusha area. This includes spending time at orphanages and centres providing training and support for HIV positive people. We also offer assistance based on the individual skills of project participants.
July 2006 HIV project group. In red from left: Kitty Jackson, Rachel Robertson, Holly Barnes, Vikki McCulloch, Darryl-Jo Satchell, Kelly Chatten, Michelle Creed, Jason Powel & Nikki Combs
Comfortable, secure accommodation is provided close to the main Work the World house in Arusha. Our own cook ensures everyone has plenty of good food. Living together as a group generates a great social atmosphere, so it’s easy to make the most of Arusha’s lively night life and meet people to travel with at weekends.
Arusha is the perfect base to experience the best of Tanzania. Mt Kilimanjaro is just an hour away, and East Africa’s finest wildlife safari country not much further. For total relaxation, domestic flights to Zanzibar make it a very easy weekend break.
Money matters
Our package price covers all our usual services for the five-week project including pre-departure information and advice, all accommodation and food, airport pick-up and transfer to Arusha and 24/7 support.
We do ask that you raise £200 towards the cost of the project itself. This goes towards materials, arranging venues for the workshops and transport on the project. Your contribution is paid in Tanzania directly to the Project Leader, so can often be raised from charitable donations or sponsorship.
Case Notes:
Matthew Owen (Tanzania 2007)
Matthew Owen was part of the highly sucessful HIV education programme in Tanzania and also undertook his elective in a local hospital.
Photo Gallery
Working with small groups generates the best interaction
This year's projects will incorporate working with orphanages