This past Friday, ACTS traveled with the Theater Group on Behavior Change Communication to Nyamware, to take part in the UNDP and Kenyan Department of Fisheries event where local citizens who had been victims of the 2007 post-election violence were being given fishing nets and accessories as an empowerment initiative. This event was very well attended, by townspeople and governmental officials alike.
Among those individuals attending the event were the area Member of Parliament, Honorable Fred Outa; the Nyanza Provincial Commissioner, Mr Francis Mutie; the representative of UNDP Africa region, Mr Aeneas Chuma; local administration; and other esteemed guests. Approximately 500 townspeople also came to fill the seats! We were happy to have such a large audience to listen to our message about VCT.
ACTS presented as a precursor to the main speakers and presentation of the fishing nets. Our plays illustrated scenarios in which HIV/AIDS awareness, voluntary medical male circumcision, and general behavior change in order to reduce the spread of STIs.
We also were able to set up our VCT tent at the site. We were lucky enough to have on hand two VCT counselors, Hilda Atieno and Ben Odhiambo, from the Ministry of Health to work with our staff and lend us support. Throughout the day, we had about 20 individuals come forward for testing, so we were glad for extra help!
We thank UNDP and the Kenyan Department of Fisheries for having us out to their event. We also want to thank the town of Nyamware Beach for being such gracious hosts and a very enthusiastic audience!
Please visit our website at http://agapecots.webs.com to learn more about our ACTS Theater Group and VCT.
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