| Abstract: | The Tanzania-Netherlands Project to Support AIDS Control (TANESA) conducted rapid appraisals in 14 villages with fishing camps along Lake Victoria to determine needs and resources available for HIV/STD (sexually transmitted disease) prevention. Discussions with village members sparked interest, so TANESA launched a health promotion program. It first set up a pilot project in a village of about 600 persons with an established fishing camp. TANESA trained 6 young women and 8 fishermen during a 4-day workshop as peer educators. The topics included anatomy and biology, STDs, HIV prevention, adult education, counseling, and communication skills. Training techniques used were short lectures, group discussions, role-playing, and exercises from a workbook. The newly trained peer educators helped set up a general education campaign: video shows, exhibition boards, pamphlets, condom distribution, and discussion sessions with peers. Village leaders did not support the idea of official classes, an AIDS information room, or a village health committee. Nevertheless, the peer educators continued their mission. Once a month, the program coordinator visits them and advocates the program to village leaders. TANESA next replicated the program in a larger village (about 6000 population). This time, it first mobilized village leaders to develop the program themselves. The core groups were fishermen, female bar and guesthouse workers, and young unemployed women offering sex for money. Each group chose its own peer educators. Village leaders were responsible for the educational campaign organized by the peer educators. The campaign received a positive response and effected positive attitudes towards condom use. Village leaders organized an AIDS action committee. TANESA now provides technical support, fosters a team spirit among peer educators, and supports monitoring activities. Peer educators express an increase in their self-esteem and self-confidence. |
