Sisonke HIV/AIDS project
This project's parent organization is Educo Africa
It operates in South Africa
It uses Outdoor pursuits
Entered the Sport for Health Award
More about Sisonke HIV/AIDS project
Wilderness based experiential methodology enables youth to achieve what they previously thought was unachievable. Physical challenges such as climbing a rock face, hiking a peak, navigating through wild terrain lead to personal challenges of leadership, trust, sleeping solo and the sharing of personal stories. Small groups of twelve make the experience deeply personal, acting as a catalyst to personal change. The small community becomes a safe container for 5 – 7 days. The sporting activities are embedded in reflective practices that draw forth personal awareness about personal strengths and weaknesses.
The trust that grows in the group as they belay each other on the rock face, and work as a group to reach their destination opens the unspoken dialogue around HIV/AIDS, the myths and taboos that have been fed by Media and Government in South Africa’s History. Such dialogue is hindered at home by the fear of discrimination that makes HIV/AIDS a taboo topic still in families today. The inter-generational relationships of youth and grandparents are structured on cultural taboos around gender and age that prevent certain open conversation around the critical issues of HIV/AIDS. The wilderness based activities invite a new perspective and conversation that is both informing and transforming.