The Truth about HIV/AIDS

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Term: Summer 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Dates: August 1-30, 2009

Description: "Since the fall of apartheid, South Africa has achieved enormous successes in the political, social and economic realms. Constitutionally assured liberties and freedoms have helped create the political and cultural background necessary for real progress in the realization of childrens rights. Despite these improved conditions, two issues intractable poverty and the rise of HIV and AIDS continue to undermine much of the social progress achieved since the end of apartheid." UNICEF 2008

This Anir course is designed to provide a basic introduction to the topic of HIV/AIDS as it affects the Southern Africa region. It provides an intensive, yet simple and non-political education on cultural issues and effective strategies used in local communities in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Highlights: This course does not have to be taken for credit however, the second week volunteer portion must be preceded by the first week of instruction. Week one can stand alone but volunteers cannot participate in week 2 without first receiving week-one training. This course can be tacken for course credit or as a month long non-paid internship.

The course is taught experientially through a series of 4-one-day workshops lead by local instructors and community activist who are at the forefront of the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. These workshops are interactive and go beyond the typical classroom experience. After the first week of experiential course work, the second week is spent working in local community foster care facilities, or respite care centers or doing research and community education, each participant may express where they would like to work.

The first week of courses will cover
1. What are HIV and AIDS?
2. Understanding the social issues in Southern Africa
3. Transmission and risk
4. Preventing the spread

Day 1: Morning training then afternoon visit to supported programs
Day 2 & 3: Workshops at the University of Cape Town Technikon HIV/AIDS student and community center
Day 4: Visit to townships and HIV/AIDS related programs: maternity ward, Love Life after school program, Baphumelele childrens home & hospice

Starting the second week (or if an internship, for the next 3 weeks) will entail working in the community with AIDS activist; Participants will get to choose their work location; placement choices include:
1. Community outreach with the University of Cape Town Technikon
2. HIV/AIDS research and data gathering at the University
3. or in a child care facilities with orphans and other vulnerable children at Baphumelele or Heavens Nest .

The course can be taken in two credit parts: The first week for 36 contact hours or 2 credit hours and then the option of adding the second work week for a total of 75 contact hours or 3 credit hours. Week one can stand alone but week 2 cannot be taken without week one first.

As an unpaid internship the total number of contact hours will be 150 or 5 credit hours.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: This course is both undergraduate and graduate level and can be used as CEU's for adults 18 and over. Course is taught in English.

Cost in US$: $1998, $2595, $4975

Not Included:
* Airfare
* Home base transportation or lodging
* Airport tax
* Visas fees (if necessary)
* Nonscheduled activities
* Anything of a personal nature

Credit Available: yes

Salary / Pay: NON PAID

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Young adult 22-35. But we have had retired persons and families.

Age Range: Adult 18-80

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-10

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Anir Experience's Mission Statement: Anir Experience is a program of the Anir Foundation. The Anir Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit, non-sectarian NGO with its goal being to provide individuals, with positive international opportunities in Southern Africa and other global areas. Conceptualized in 1997, the Anir Foundation strives to raise the awareness on concern affecting the continent of Africa, such as HIV/AIDS, poverty, homelessness, women & youth related issues, exotic animal & flora ecology, preservation of culture, and global social concern. Anir Experience is a 100% volunteer program.

Year Founded: 1997