World AIDS Day... again

This year I wanted to do something different (Click here for WAD ’07) because WAD landed on a market day. I wanted to take advantage of the fact that people from all around the commune, not just Tchaourou, would be present. To do this, I wanted to create visual awareness through red ribbon displays, the red ribbon being the symbol for HIV/AIDS solidarity. To help with this project, I consulted the Orphanage Director, Daniel TCHAFFA, to get support from the local orphans (both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS). The goal was to have these orphans share information about HIV/AIDS with the community.

The plan of action included the orphans first making placards with HIV/AIDS messages for them to carry in the parade through town. During the parade, the orphans clapped and chanted “ je suis jeune, je veux vivre, toutes ma vie, sans SIDA” which translates to “ I am young, I want to live, all my life, without AIDS”. Once in town, they took their pre-made ribbons (thanks to Daniel and myself) and divided into groups. Each group went to a designated part of the market where they asked to put red ribbons on market stalls. The red ribbon acted as a “talking point” to discuss HIV/AIDS, to explain the symbolism of the red ribbon and to answer any questions.

In total, the orphans reached over 1,500 people during the day and placed hundreds of ribbons on market stalls.

Pictures of the event:

Daniel and I making hundreds of red ribbons out of local fabric prior to WAD

Christine, who helps out at the CPS, paying close attention to the finer details of the ribbon

et voila, les orphelins. C'y est!


First stop, the hospital.


Arriving at the market.

And an attempted artistic picutre of one ribbon hanging from a market stall.