Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - August 17, 2003
Bridges of Hope is a simple toolkit using a set of sticks to create bridges over which one steps to avoid laminated crocodiles that represent the dangers in life.
The toolkit features a series of colourful characters to help staff understand life strategies that work.
Originally developed in Ghana the kit has been introduced in South Africa as part of Standard Chartered's global "Living with HIV" campaign.
It is a method of awakening people to choices about their lifestyle, as well as social and medical support systems in their environment.
It involves people in a fun way to discuss and deal with the serious issues of sexual behaviour and HIV infection. It is a highly interactive process that involves role-play, and is both educational and instructive without being prescriptive.
Stacey Holcroft, head of human resources and a global HIV champion for Standard Chartered Bank. says feedback has been positive. Her company is using the toolkit as part of its holistic "Living with HIV" campaign for its 27 000 employees in 50 countries, of whom 5 000 are in African countries.
Standard Chartered Bank is one of the 30 major companies that support the SA Business Coalition on HIV/Aids (Sabcoha). It is sharing the toolkit with other business groups.
"Within moments people grasp the basic concepts and are responding to the issues," says Holcroft.
"At the company level, we don't see HIV/Aids as a competitive factor and we are willing to share our experience of it.
"Above all else you need committed people working in this sphere, across all management levels,"
Holcroft believes the lessons of the Bridges of Hope toolkit could have a profound influence on communities.
The Global Business Coalition on HIV/Aids presented Standard Chartered Bank the award for Business Excellence in the Workplace in Washington DC on June 11 in recognition of the leadership it has demonstrated.
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