AEGiS-IRIN: SOUTH AFRICA: Local puppet group breaks silence surrounding HIV/AIDS

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

SOUTH AFRICA: Local puppet group breaks silence surrounding HIV/AIDS

Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 8, 2000

The innovative Talking Hands Puppet Theatre Company is using short plays to teach children and teenagers fundamental life skills and to break the barrier of silence surrounding HIV/AIDS, 'Eastern Cape News' said this week.

"There's an incredible culture of silence in this country and apathy," said Talking Hands organiser Elyse van Houten. "Hopefully we are breaking down and dissolving the myths about social issues like reproductive health and basic human rights."

Talking Hands, entering its tenth year in Grahamstown, is a youth development project aimed at imparting core life skills to teenagers. The group runs life skills training sessions and recently graduated 18 leaders who will go on to recruit more from the townships of Grahamstown East.

"We're training teens to run sustainable and informed organizations dealing with HIV/Aids, teen pregnancy, rape and abuse, unsafe abortions and all related issues. What makes us special is the fact that the creative media we use can generate income for the performers," Van Houten said.

001208
IR001209

Copyright © 2000 - Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Integrated Regional Information Network. .

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2000. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980 – 2000. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .