The problem:
700 people die each day from HIV/AIDS in Kenya. In some rural areas of Kenya the infection rate is between 25-30%. It is not only a health crisis, but a crisis affecting all other sectors of society, robbing families and communities of the people they depend on. The inaccessibility of factual information is widely considered the major factor behind the high infection rate and it is an unfortunate reality that there are still widespread misconceptions about the transmission and prevention of HIV. Even though knowledge about HIV is slowly disseminating throughout Kenya, on average, young adults do not have enough information to protect themselves properly. Only 34% of young women and 47% of young men (aged 15-24) correctly identified effective methods of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV, according to a recent UNAIDS/WHO survey. This lack of information is heavily related to the silence and stigma that surrounds HIV/AIDS. Many people refuse to be tested out of fear for how they will be treated if they test positive, while others are simply unaware of their status, and therefore unknowingly spreading the virus and leading lifestyles which can contribute to early progression to AIDS. Rural communities still maintain cultural practices that facilitate spread of HIV, such as wife/widow inheritance, the use of traditional healers, circumcision ceremonies, and other rituals. If a major attempt to bring the discussion about AIDS to the forefront of Kenya’s social consciousness is not made soon, the disease will continue to ravage the country unchecked.

How you can help:
Despite the circumstances, the situation in Kenya is not irreparable. Through outreach, education and vigorous campaigning, the epidemic and its effects can still be alleviated. Tembeza Kenya volunteers will work alongside grassroots advocacy groups, helping to disseminate information to the public about the transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS. At schools, community centers, bars, nightclubs, churches, and women's groups, volunteer teams will engage local people in hopes of facilitating open dialogue and free-spirited discussions about HIV/AIDS. In order to successfully help break the silence that cloaks the disease, volunteers should have a solid understanding of its pathology and be confident in their ability to dispel the rumors and myths that surround it. The organizations we work with hold frequent awareness campaigns, in both rural and urban areas, which involve putting on plays, handing out flyers, administering free tests and providing one-on-one counseling, so volunteers wanting to participate in this project should be energetic and creative.

Costs to participate:

	Currency	First month	Additional month
	US Dollars	$1,295	$895
	Canadian Dollars	$1,445	$995
	British Pounds	£695	£495
	Euros	€ 1,045	€ 995

The details:

Location: Nairobi and Mombassa
Duration: Two weeks to six months
Requirements: Minimum age of 17
Availability: Available year-round
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, with some evening work