The Debub Nigat Circus Troupe

The Debub Nigat Circus Troupe, which uses drama, music, acrobatics, and dance to bring information on HIV/AIDS prevention to the predominately illiterate rural communities in Africa, recently did a series of performances in Ethiopia. The effort was the result of a mini-grant sponsored by the State Department’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs which was designed to support public diplomacy programs that would promote important issues abroad. Staff at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa wrote the grant proposal after hearing about the troupe’s successful initiative. During this performance tour, the circus troupe gave 30 performances and reached an estimated 30,000 people with its message of HIV/AIDS prevention. (Photo: State Magazine)