Amour et Vie

One of my current projects that I’m most excited about is called Amour et Vie, (love and life). It’s a project run by an NGO called PSI that is based in the United States. The target group is young people who have either dropped out of school or have never attended. The idea is for young role models in the community to give health presentations to the target groups on topics such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, family planning, and diarrhea.  Once a Peace Corps Volunteer decides to be a part of the project, he or she puts together a local team of two young people (one boy, one girl from ages 15-24) called “Peer Educators”, one community advisor. Then a week-long training is held. Ours was June 3-10 in Bohicon (a large town in southern Benin).

Giving a practice presentation on hygiene

During the training, the Peer Educators learned everything from technical information, to how to be an animated presenter, to practicing what they learned around town. My team consists of one boy and one girl from the local secondary school (both around age 16), and a nurse’s aide.  The Peer Educators are the most important part of the team, because they are the ones that will be giving the presentations. My role is to supervise the team, help complete monthly reports, and offer support when needed. Throughout the week I watched as my team members got to know each other and work together.  The Peer Educators showed a lot of enthusiasm and confidence in the project.  PSI provided each team with all sorts of visual aids for the presentations they will be giving as well as t-shirts that we will wear. At the end of the training everyone received certificates of participation.  Being selected for this type of activity is very special for the team members, especially for the students.  

Demonstrating hand-washing

Each team is required to give at least two presentations per month. Groups that we can talk to include apprentices for hair dressers, tailors, and welders. We can also work with  zemidjan (taxi moto) drivers, and women’s groups. Before the team can give a presentation, a pre-test is given to assess the current knowledge of the group. To launch the project, each team will hold an opening ceremony. Important leaders in the community as well as the target groups will be invited. A representative of PSI will also be present to introduce the organization. The Peer Educators will give a small presentation to show the kinds of presentations they will be giving in the community.  Afterwards, they will present their three month action plan with the names of the groups they will be working with to PSI. As with any ceremony in Benin, there will be music and food!

I am looking forward to working with my team and watch them as they become more confident speaking in front of groups. The project seems well organized and lets the community (the Peer Educators and the community advisor) take the lead instead of me (the foreigner). The hope is that after one year, the project will continue without the volunteer.