1) What kind of materials are used during HIV/AIDS education presentations?

The population we target is over 95% illiterate, so written materials are rarely handed out. Educators do use something that the French call a "pagivolte" - a large flip chart with colorful, culturally appropriate images that illustrate the message conveyed during the presentation.
We also show educational videos produced locally in national languages.
The educators teach villagers how to properly use condoms with the aide of a rubber demonstration penis.
Examples of pagivolte images and video clips are available on this web site.

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2) What methods of prevention are being taught?

The methods of prevention we emphasize are: abstinence; fidelity; condom usage; and razor, needle, and knife sterilization.

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3) How do you convey your message?

The sessions are very simple. For villages we visit during the day we will call a village meeting. Local educators use the pagivolte as a visual aide as they present their AIDS education sessions in local languages. At night, we also show a video. This attracts a large amount of attention because villages do not have electricity, so the television and generator draws a big crowd. We introduce the video briefly, show it, and then follow it with a detailed explanation, condom demonstration, and question-and- answer session.
This year, we are exploring the possibility of working with a theater group that specializes in doing AIDS education. They may travel with us and do presentations at the villages we visit.

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4) What kinds of items are distributed in villages?

In past years, we distributed condoms in each village we visited. This year, in response to our new condom policy which emphasizes the need to create sustainable methods of condom distribution, we will likely be reevaluating that approach. Condoms that are given away for free tend to not be valued, and may be wasted. In villages in which Peace Corps Volunteers work, we are working on training local vendors to sell condoms within their communities. If we distribute condoms this year, we will also inform villagers on how and where they can buy condoms nearby.

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5) What other organizations provide support for the AIDS Bike Ride?

As of right now, we have no guaranteed funding. CARE International has historically donated at least one support vehicle, a driver, gasoline, and AIDS educators. This year, Africare has offered to lend us one vehicle and driver as well. We are exploring collaboration with Family Care International (FCI), an organization that has worked with theater and musical groups in the past, and who are interested in providing educators and funding.

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Donor support is greatly appreciated.