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Olympic Youth Ambassador Programme

Photo: Simone Scholtz © GGSA 2007

Overview
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Our Mission Statement

With the fourth highest HIV infection rate in the world, the youth from Lesotho needs to have access to accurate HIV/AIDS information delivered with an innovative approach. Thus, this project aims to encourage youth to volunteer and train them so they can organize sports activities for other young people. Such events will generate discussion and information exchange related to the HIV/AIDS issue.

Sport is used extensively in this program. Youth are trained to be Olympic Youth Ambassadors (OYAP), and once trained they organize sports activities for other youth, using these activities as a platform for discussion about local social issues such as HIV/AIDS.

Executive Summary

There are two main programs that the OYAP leaders implement, using the Kicking AIDS Out games and training to assist them. Mafube (translation: a new dawn) is a program that the ambassadors take to different areas in the community where street youth, orphans, and other youth congregate. The OYAP leaders visit these groups on a regular basis, providing the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activities. OYAP use sport and Kicking AIDS Out games to create a forum for life skills and HIV/AIDS education.

Girls on the Move is a program that the OYAP leaders offer to encourage female participation in physical activities. Girls aged 8-12 participate in 10 week cycles where the girls are introduced to a new sport every 2 weeks. Each sporting session incorporates a discussion on female health and life skills, providing an environment where girls are comfortable discussing sensitive issues. At the end of the 10 week program the girls are allowed to choose a sport they enjoyed, and they can participate in it free of charge for the next year.

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