The Life Choices targets youth ages 10 to 19 with core messages of abstinence and be faithful (AB) to prevent HIV infection. The program also benefits the youth by employing a multipronged approach to HIV/AIDS prevention. This approach not only offers youth health education on HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), but also offers life skills training, parental/teacher/community support, recreational activities, sports, youth camps, counseling, and job placement.

 

To reach the youth, the program utilizes a “Trainer of Trainers” (TOT) model to impart the Life Choices AB messages not only to youth but also to those in their broader social environment to create a context that supports the practice of AB behaviors. A core group of trainers in each country is responsible for introducing the Life Choices curriculum directly to youth and their parents or caregivers. In addition, trainers are responsible for training peer educators and community leaders to disseminate AB strategies to the broader community. Peer educators are selected from the entire spectrum of youth social niches and cliques to ensure that in-school, out-of-school, and high-risk groups of youth (i.e. street children, orphans, and incarcerated youth) are reached, regardless of social standing.

 

Furthermore, the program is also actively involved in developing and disseminating behavior change communication (BCC) messages as well as increasing access to youth friendly volunteer counseling and testing (VCT) services in all three countries.