Lessons learned

Introduction learning examples

Lessons learned

What are the key elements for the successful utilization of sport and play in an HIV/AIDS prevention project?

Success factors

Key elements are:

Solid local partner organizations for successful cooperation;
Alignment of Right To Play's program objectives within the policy and action plans of national governments; and
The support and belief in the capacity of the coaches to implement activities i.e. educate youth about protecting themselves, encouraging healthy lifestyles and discussing issues such as stigma, discrimination and social isolation.

With the above elements in place, the expected outcome is open support and longer term sustainability for Right To Play activities

What are the pitfalls?

When aligning with the policy of the national government, the efforts of Right To Play in fighting HIV/AIDS are not stand-alone but are part of an integrated approach. Therefore it is challenging to identify what result can be attributed to the work and investment of Right To Play.

Another pitfall, or rather a challenge, which is a key element for success, is measuring of the results. To measure behaviour change in young people coping with the HIV/AIDS epidemic is very complex. Right To Play is developing tools to continue measuring output and outcome from its interventions. As the programs align strategically to national government objectives, the impact will be measured longer term through recognition of Right To Play's intervention in affecting key impact indicators set by the governments in question.