Southern Africa HIV/AIDS Collaboration (SAHAC) is working to reduce the rate of HIV/AIDS by 50 percent in 5 years. The aim is to create a youth movement in which youth embrace the only behaviors that eliminate the risk of HIV infection—postponing sex until marriage and keeping sex within marriage thereafter—and urging their friends to do the same.
SAHAC is supporting staff and students at Orlando High, a bellwether high school in Soweto, to pilot an It Takes Courage! movement built around arts and education, community service, faith enrichment and leadership development.Two Orlando High teachers have been certified to teach the 16-lesson program in the school's curriculum-mandated Life Orientation classes. SAHAC is also working with a global communications agency to develop a viral, grassroots campaign to create a visible sub-culture of those choosing to postpone sexual activity, ideally until marriage. Orlando High has recently allocated 2,400 sq. ft. of space in a separate building on the Orlando High campus for SAHAC offices and activities.
SAHAC’s holistic approach to HIV/AIDS elimination recognizes the need to introduce life skills training and vocational development. A recent highlight of this effort was the graduation of six women from the Learnership Program. This program works with the students prior to their graduation to build their resume through skills screening, basic business development and “learnerships” (internships) with local companies.Six of the eight women in the initial program received permanent jobs. A new class of 15 students has begun, with the hope to add 50 more in the next 6 months.
The current graduates have learnerships with companies working on the Gautrain project – a major South African project to develop a subway system to tie Johannesburg and Pretoria – due to begin service in 2009. Contracts for learnerships with other companies are being developed.
To get involved or for more information, contact Paul Scholten, Partners Worldwide Team Leader for SAHAC, at pauls@christmemorial.org.
