Harnessing Talent: Ugandan Street Youth Using Drama to Fight AIDS

"Some of the main lessons learned in the Baaba project that might be helpful for those considering performing arts within an HIV prevention project include:

In Uganda, role-plays are a culturally acceptable method of teaching. They can be put together in a matter of minutes and are enjoyed by participants and performers.

In contrast, a good play requires much practice and hard work to develop a plot that is both interesting and at the same time draws out the main themes and helps people to think through issues. Expertise in performing arts is helpful in assisting young people to develop their own plays. In organising practices, the support of an enthusiastic staff member is crucial. The NGOs with supportive staff enjoyed and benefited most from the drama festival.

Research has shown that dramas can be interpreted in many different ways by the same audience. The Baaba project tries to ensure that plays are always followed up by a talk so that the intended message of the play is outlined. The impact of plays can be evaluated informally by putting questions to the audience, or formally through evaluation questionnaires. Simply providing street children with an opportunity to display their talent can be effective in breaking down prejudices."

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Source: Sexual Health Exchange website.