Current Programms

Communicating about HIV/AIDS Together (CHAT)
Addressing the HIV prevention Needs of Kenyan youth

Youth in Kenya represent a population that is vulnerable to HIV infection, especially those living in resource-poor rural communities. Rural regions present particular challenges to the delivery of standardized HIV prevention programs given their vast and often difficult physical terrain, and the presence of local languages and customs. In order to reach youth in rural Kenyan communities, indigenous peer educators can be vital resources for disseminating culturally and developmentally appropriate HIV prevention information.

Communicating about HIV/AIDS Together (CHAT) is an intervention informed by behavior change theory, evidence-based HIV prevention programs for youth, ethnographic work in the targeted rural community, Kenyan national symbols/customs and values, focus groups with rural youth, and interpersonal communication theory/practice.

The interactive CHAT Training Program includes standard HIV transmission/prevention education, as well as specific training on interpersonal communication. Trained youth receive buttons, t-shirts, red bracelets and/or hats that identify them as HIV peer educators, and that serve as catalysts for discussions with other youth.  CHAT has been delivered to youth in Kibera, Kangemi, Bangladesh, Korogocho,  various parts of Limuru, and Kisumu.

our Goals

  1. Enrich the capacity of Kenya-based organizations to provide HIV prevention, education, and holistic health care services to those at risk for, and impacted by, HIV/AIDS.
  2. Address the HIV prevention needs of Kenyan children, youth and adults.
  3. Encourage self-protective behaviors.
  4. Promote self-esteem, self-respect and the value of human life.
  5. Support care for those living with HIV/AIDS.
  6. Model healthy/supportive connections to the family, clan, and community.
  7. Train community members to be leaders in HIV/AIDS prevention, monitoring, and evaluation.

Past Programs

  1. Conducted HIV prevention workshops with over 5,000 youth & adults in urban areas, rural communities, slum regions, and prisons.
  2. Trained over 600 youth to be HIV peer educators.
  3. Developed culturally-appropriate HIV prevention curriculum to be used by local Kenyans.
  4. Developed culturally specific brochures and information sheets focused on HIV prevention and care.