Yes to Soccer

According to the organisers, the idea behind Yes to Soccer is to use role models who are trusted by young people, like soccer players and coaches, to confirm what they are hearing about AIDS and integrate it into their behaviour. In addition to HIV/AIDS awareness, the curriculum also promotes critical thinking, communication, self-esteem, and sound decision-making skills.

The YES to Soccer component was integrated into existing Youth Education for Life Skills (YES) programmes assisting young war-affected Liberians through non-formal life skills education. According to the organisers, soccer is an integral part of rural communities in Liberia, and participation in the sport can provide a feeling of belonging that is critical to young people. The YES programme established Youth Development Clubs in over 300 communities throughout Liberia, and Yes to Soccer capitalised on these existing structures. Infusing sports activities into these clubs increased membership and sustainability, and provided avenues for disseminating information about HIV/AIDS.

Community mentors participated in Training of Trainers (ToT) workshops to build their skills as peer educators and mentors to facilitate the curriculum. Mentors then facilitated participatory games, activities, and discussions with groups of approximately 20-30 youth from schools, sports teams, and other youth associations. After completing the curriculum, mentors and youth participated in graduation ceremonies and sports tournaments to celebrate their accomplishments. The tournaments included men's and women's games, as well as theatrical dramas about HIV/AIDS.

According to the organisers, using participatory games-based methodologies is a promising approach to overcoming barriers to delivering sensitive information related to HIV/AIDS and sex, which can initially be uncomfortable for both mentors and youth participants. Interactive games teach HIV/AIDS information indirectly, not through traditional lecture methods, and learning takes place in a more relaxed atmosphere than most school-based settings.

The Nike Corporation donated approximately 10,000 pieces of sports equipment and apparel as rewards and incentives for programme participants. The Nike Corporation donated approximately 10,000 pieces of sports equipment and apparel to local clubs and partners to support youth participation in sports-based programming.

HIV/AIDS, Youth.

The programme was part of the Liberia Transition Initiative (LTI), which was designed to advance prospects for an inclusive, peaceful, political transition in the context of the 2003 Comprehensive Peace Accord. The initiative aimed to increase public understanding of key political transition issues and promote participatory community reintegration and peaceful resolution of conflict. LTI included helping to build momentum for peace through: the YES programme, linking the YES programme with small grant activities to reinforce community cohesion and assist in reconstruction and rural development, and providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Education and USAID/Liberia's Accelerated Learning Program (ALP).