HIV/AIDS

Overview
Peer Education
Awareness & Prevention
Support for HIV+ people
Coaching For Hope

After the incredible success in West and Southern Africa, SOVA launched the Coaching for Hope programme in collaboration with Save the Children and Skillshare International in December 2010. Coaching for Hope is an original initiative that uses football techniques to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Two professional football coaches arrived from the UK and delivered a 7-day training programme, in which 15 young adults from tribal communities learnt about football coaching skills. As well as this, they received training in HIV/AIDS awareness in order to spread the message in their respective communities. The scheme provides on-going support to the local communities so that new initiatives can be taken into account and further training can be pursued. Since the launch of Coaching for Hope, 26 workshops have been conducted, from which 86 youths have benefitted. Furthermore, 4 youth clubs have been created to continue increasing the knowledge of the local villages.

The project targets in particular the tribal communities who have limited access to sport facilities and schools. Coaching for Hope provides the basis for health education by delivering fun sporting activities. The opportunity to be part of a football team, wear a real sporting kit and compete against each other is invaluable for the children. They can gain life-altering skills that raise their confidence and self-esteem.