Baabas

This project draws on centrally on the participation of youth - in the local language, Luganda, a Baaba is a respected older brother or sister who advises and guides his/her younger siblings - as well as upon the use of interpersonal strategies to engage local partners. The project 's 3 main strategies include:

1. Peer Education:
   The project's 300 or so "Baabas" - street youth elected by their peers from participating street children NGOs - are trained in HIV/AIDS and sexual health issues, as well as participatory teaching methods. They are involved in organising HIV prevention clubs, outreaches, training workshops and seminars. They use drama, music, sports and puppetry to convey their messages.
2. Advocacy: The project runs workshops on the sexual rights of street children for local leaders, police and child rights advocates. In addition, street children perform role-plays and give testimonies about living on the street; these performances are conceived as instrumental in breaking down prejudices about street children. This process typically involves introducing a topic, raising ideas for discussion, and/or demonstrating a life skill. The idea is that these types of media grab attention and are ideally suited to the intended audience, some of whom have few reading skills and short attention spans. The Baabas have refined some of the role plays for use with local leaders.
3. Capacity Building: The project aims to strengthen the skills of local partners by providing training to staff on HIV issues. It also promotes networking between NGOs and encourages the formation of partnerships with interested service providers to improve access to street-friendly sexual health services

Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS, Rights, Children, Youth.

The project's core goals involve:

• Reaching the intended audience with HIV prevention messages
• Increasing coordination and cooperation between partner NGOs
• Breaking down prejudices against street children
• Positioning NGOs to increase their responsibility and to demonstrate leadership skills
• Bolstering the capacity of NGOs to confront HIV/AIDS
• Fostering behavioural change through peer education activities.