In conjunction with the new youth development framework, there are still opportunities for PCVs to share information and resources about sexual health and SIDA prevention in our respective communities. SIDA, and STIs in general, are equal opportunity public health threats: they can afflict anyone of any race, religion, nationality, or sex. PCVs can make the biggest impact in combating SIDA/STIs by partnering with local associations and counterparts. These partnerships allow community input and key stakeholders to play an important role in our public health outreach work.
The variety of SIDA/STI prevention programming is as varied as Peace Corps Volunteers themselves. PCVs in Morocco have created a broad range of programs to inform and empower community members in the fight against SIDA. Those projects have included:
The variety of SIDA/STI prevention programming is as varied as Peace Corps Volunteers themselves. PCVs in Morocco have created a broad range of programs to inform and empower community members in the fight against SIDA. Those projects have included:
SIDA/STI awareness events (held in the dar chabab, health clinic, or elsewhere). World AIDS Day (Dec. 1st), and other commemorations can serve as a catalyst for a SIDA/Sexual Health awareness event. Partnering with a local association, or the health clinic, can make the event more impactful.
BIKE4SIDA - These bike treks are great ways to spread the public health message about SIDA/STIs while collaborating with other PCVs and local counterparts. Two large BIKE4SIDA treks have taken place in the past few years: one trek went form Beni Mellal to Marrakech, and one went from Errachidia to Ourzazate. The treks involve pre-planning: which sites will be visited along the way? where will outreach events (and breaks) take place? counterparts? securing bike repair materials, messaging/materials. For more information, please see the "teaching resources" tab for the Peace Corps Morocco BIKE4SIDA manual.
Regional and local festivals (SIDA/STI and health outreach) - There are numerous national, regional and local festivals that provide a great opportunity for PCVs to conduct SIDA/sexual health/STI outreach to Moroccans. Many larger festivals have vendor/association display booths as part of the event. It's important to check with local counterparts for scheduling and programming. Some major Moroccan festivals include:
- Rose Festival (May or June) in Klaa MaGouna
- Wedding Festival (September) in Imilchil
- Date Festival (October) in Erfoud
- Cherry Festival (June) in Sefrou
- Gnaoua Music Festival (May or June) in Essouira
- Henna Festival (late summer) in Tazarine
- Almond Festival (February) in Tafraout
Specific group awareness events: PCVs can hold events that combine SIDA education with creative events that allow specific Moroccan youth and adults to learn while having fun in a supportive environment.
- PCVs have held candle-light vigils on World AIDS Day (December 1st).
- PCVs have held SIDA-related sketch shows and art competition events.
- PCVs have worked with groups of young men to engage in honest dialogues on SIDA, safe sex and healthy relationships.
- PCVs have partnered with Moroccan NGOs to present SIDA information to specific audiences (ex: women's association meetings at a dar taliba).