HIV/AIDS
Service-learning is an excellent tool for HIV and AIDS education. Not only does it mobilize youths as a force in fighting the pandemic, but research shows that youths are more receptive to HIV prevention messages that come from their peers. Effective projects can take place in schools and community-based organizations. Here are some project ideas, articles, and links to get you started.
Service-Learning and HIV/AIDS Prevention: Mobilizing Youth Action
Everything you need to implement Y-RISE — NYLC's model for using peer education and service-learning in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Young People and AIDS: Infected, Affected, and Effecting Change
November 30, 2005
Although young people are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, they
are also a major force fighting it. They offer some of the most active
voices in prevention efforts across the globe. With The 17th Annual
International AIDS Day taking place on December 1, we wanted to share
some of those stories. more »
Y-RISE: An Introduction
Camp Heartland Redefines Heartland
Youth participants from Camp Heartland, a program for children who are affected by HIV/AIDS, collaborate for a national speaking tour called the Journey of Hope AIDS Awareness Program. Each program presented by the youths includes a set of five messages about HIV/AIDS in various script-free forms such as skits, song, and poetry. (The Generator, Summer 2004)
HIV/AIDS Facts
HIV/AIDS statistics divided under the following subheadings: global, United States, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
HIV/AIDS Resources
Fact sheet on Y-RISE, NYLC's multifaceted program for mobilizing young people in the fight against AIDS.
Higher Education Partnerships for Health Around the World
Community/Campus Partnerships for Health advocates partnerships between
institutions of higher education and their surrounding communities. The
goals are to facilitate resource sharing; incorporation of
service-learning into health-professional training; and recognize and
reward community-based teaching, research, and service. Sidebar lists
principles of good community/campus partnerships. (The Generator,
Summer 2004)
Investment in the Work of the World
NYLC's call for the service-learning field to address HIV/AIDS. Includes facts and information about current prevention efforts in Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, and the United States. (The Generator, Summer 2003)
A National and International Perspective
This executive summary presents the theoretical groundwork for connecting HIV/AIDS prevention efforts with service-learning, and examples of successful youth programs from around the world. (The Generator, Summer 2004)
Service-Learning as a Public Health Strategy
Review of Douglas Kirby's research about the effectiveness of service-learning in teen pregnancy prevention and how it can be used in HIV/AIDS education. New experiment is introduced to assess service-learning effectiveness in HIV/AIDS prevention in California. Sidebar of characteristics of effective sex and HIV/AIDS education programs. (The Generator, Summer 2004)
Strength for Change
Findings and strategies drawn from research conducted in Malawi. Data analysis and recommendations for adding a peer-educator component to youth clubs for the education and prevention of HIV/AIDS. (The Generator, Summer 2004)
Y-RISE: Service-Learning and HIV/AIDS Prevention
Recent research about the efficacy of service-learning in HIV/AIDS prevention. This extremely in-depth paper, a product of NYLC's Y-RISE initiative, presents basic data on the pandemic, the theoretical groundwork for connecting prevention efforts with service-learning, and examples of successful youth programs from around the world. A thorough and detailed resource section includes international program reviews, websites, contacts, and reference material.
Young People as a Global Force for Change
Excerpt of keynote address by Carol Bellamy, former UNICEF Executive Director, at The 15th Annual National Service-Learning Conference. Focuses on the "active and informed participation of children and young people" as a resource to address issues that affect the world's children. (The Generator, Summer 2004)
Youth Potential Trumps Despair in Post-War Liberia
Despite the challenges facing Liberia in terms of high child mortality rates, civil conflicts, mass migration, low literacy rates, and the HIV/AIDS crisis, young people involved in the Liberian Society for Women Against AIDS are providing service and hope to the country. Includes explanation of the founding of the UNICEF-backed organization, current HIV/AIDS prevention strategies provided by the peer educators, and the project outcomes. (The Generator, Summer 2004)
Service-Learning and HIV/AIDS: Getting Started
Basic guide to the benefits of incorporating service-learning in HIV/AIDS education. Includes the components of service-learning and their connection to HIV/AIDS education, and tips for reflection, action planning, and incorporating learning objectives.
Blankets, Babies, and HIV/AIDS Awareness
After reading an article about babies born with AIDS, students decided to make baby blankets to publicize that AIDS affects everyone, even the youngest of children. more »
Changing Attitudes: HIV, AIDS, and Compassion
United States
Acceptance is key in the fight against HIV and AIDS. One class realized this after reading a book about pandemics and society's negative views of the infected. The students worked to counteract harassment within their school. more »
Comic Books Against HIV/AIDS Prejudice
After discussing the prejudice faced by people with AIDS, students created a comic book character to teach youths about acceptance and respect. more »
HIV/AIDS Theaterworks
United States
Theater is an excellent medium for young people fighting the AIDS pandemic. A group of students used theater to teach other youths how to deal with peer pressure and make positive decisions regarding their health. more »
Youth Voice Against HIV/AIDS
High school students living with HIV and AIDS collaborated with uninfected peers to teach younger students about the disease.
more »
Despite the challenges facing
Despite the challenges facing Liberia in terms of high child mortality rates, civil conflicts, mass migration, low literacy rates, and the HIV/AIDS crisis, young people involved in the Liberian Society for Women Against AIDS are providing service and hope to the country. Includes explanation of the founding of the UNICEF-backed organization, current HIV/AIDS prevention strategies provided by the peer educators, and the project outcomes. (The Generator, Summer 2004)green coffee beans