Do's and dont's

What are important do's and don'ts for a sport development worker active in a sport and HIV/AIDS project?

Do's

  • Take time to understand the HIV/AIDS context in the country of operation, have a good sense of all the players and be sure to understand where the Right To Play program fits within the bigger framework.
  • Identify committed local athletes willing to address the HIV/AIDS issue to the public in special events, media support, social mobilization activities etc.
  • Emphasize and focus on regular and repetitive activity which has been demonstrated as a contributing factor towards behaviour change, more so than on festivals and large scale events alone.
  • Focus on a specific sector. A single focus (immunization, HIV/AIDS, education) approach allows international project coordinators to work more effectively.

Don'ts:

  • Don't forget that sport in itself can never be the only instrument to fight HIV/AIDS. It is powerful, but has to be part of an integrated approach.

What are important do's and don'ts for an organisation working on sport and HIV/AIDS?

Do's:

  • Quality training/workshops. Make sure you have access to the latest and most up to date information on the subject. You are responsible for the information that you provide so ensure it is correct.
  • Involvement with global and local partnerships to ensure maximum use of project capacity.
  • Coordination with other NGOs and government agencies working in the field of HIV/AIDS (national and regional HIV/AIDS Secretariats, WHO, UNICEF etc).
  • ommemorate special thematic days, e.g. World Aids Day, to get optimal results in mobilising people and providing information and education on key health issues. Special events provide the opportunity to showcase the convening power of sport.

Don'ts

  • Implement the project without undertaking a proper context- and situation-analysis and without consultation of local partners, communities and parents. Health specific materials are culturally sensitive and their improper presentation has the potential to be offensive. Consensus must be reached in terms of how materials will be presented to the children and youth of the community.