USAID/OTI Liberia Success Story
April 2006
Soccer Program brings HIV Awareness to Liberia's Youth
YES to Soccer educates young people about HIV/AIDS prevention through sporting activities.
The Liberia Transition Initiative (LTI) advances prospects for an inclusive, peaceful, political transition in the context of the 2003 Comprehensive Peace Accord. By increasing public understanding of key political transition issues and promoting participatory community reintegration and peaceful resolution of conflict, LTI is helping to build momentum for peace through:
- The Youth Education for Life Skills (YES) program, a community-focused reintegration activity with the goal of enhancing peace through non-formal education
- Linking the YES program with small grant activities that reinforce community cohesion and assist in reconstruction and rural development
- Awarding small grants to national organizations in support of justice, media, conflict management, good governance and human rights
- Providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Education and USAID/Liberia's Accelerated Learning Program (ALP)
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| Participants in Zwedru navigate a "risk field" that demonstrates the consequences of unhealthy behavior for individuals, families and communities. |
USAID/OTI is employing an innovative activity within its ongoing Liberian community development programs to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and foster leadership skills in the country's youth. Since December 2004, the Youth Education for Life Skills (YES) program has been assisting young war-affected Liberians in becoming productive members of their communities through non-formal life skills education.
A new sporting activity called Yes to Soccer has been infused into 51 communities in Grand Gedeh and Sinoe counties where YES is already active. Yes to Soccer utilizes this popular sport to carry messages about healthy behavior and the real risks of HIV/AIDS. Soccer is an integral part of rural communities in Liberia, and participation in the sport can provide the feeling of belonging that is so critical to young people.
The YES program has established Youth Development Clubs in over 300 communities throughout Liberia, and Yes to Soccer capitalizes on these existing structures. Infusing sports activities into these clubs increases membership and sustainability, and disseminates potentially lifesaving information about HIV/AIDS. Yes to Soccer methodology has contributed to the growth and success of Youth Development Clubs while simultaneously informing communities about this deadly disease.
By combining a series of goals and sportsmanlike competition, the program encourages behavior change based on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention among young people. In addition to HIV/AIDS awareness, the curriculum also promotes critical thinking, communication, self-esteem, and sound decision-making skills.
In support of this, The Nike Corporation has donated approximately 10,000 pieces of sports equipment and apparel that will be used as rewards and incentives for program participants. The Nike apparel will also serve to identify the youth as peer educators and leaders within their communities. The US Embassy has also donated soccer balls for Yes to Soccer, making this endeavor a truly collaborative development experience.
Implementing partner Mercy Corps will analyze the results of this six month pilot program to determine its impact and whether Yes to Soccer would be appropriate in other YES communities across Liberia.
For further information, please contact:
In Washington: John Gattorn, Program Manager, 202-712-4168, jgattorn@usaid.gov
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