index
INDEX
Issue 21 / October 2008
Irish Newsletter for Development
Cover images from www.AVERT.org
Education Exchange
HIV & AIDS Action Against Stigma
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Editorial
Contents
In the lead up to World AIDS Day on December 1st INDEX looks at the education and awareness raising work happening in relation to HIV and AIDS. It is made clear by contributors to this issue that this is not just a health issue and also that it is not only a problem in developing countries.
HIV & AIDS and Public Education: The ‘Inside’ & ‘Outside’ Story by Toni Pyke
On page 3 Toni Pyke shares 80:20’s experiences of partnering with Zambian artists and communities, and using an inspiring methodology, to educate on HIV and AIDS issues. Richard Carson from ACET introduces some key facts about the HIV and AIDS pandemic, and some of the challenges facing those educating and taking action to challenge discrimination within Ireland (page 4). Page 9 looks at two organisations that encourage collective action to tackle HIV and AIDS, and in particular the issue of stigma - the Diaspora Women’s Initiative (DWI) and the Stamp Out Stigma Campaign. On page 5 Nogugu Mafu updates us on KADE’s work with transition year students and on page 8 she shares her experiences of attending a Dev Ed Summer School in Holland. Page 10 contains news from the Dev Ed sector, including a reminder to all that Comhlámh has moved office! It identifies websites and other resources for educating about HIV and AIDS. There is also HIV and AIDS related campaign news, resources, and actions. The DICE Project resource Global Dimensions is reviewed on page 11. As usual we have news of what’s going on in Dev Ed in Ireland and Europe, upcoming courses and events to put in your diary, international days and ways to celebrate them, and a cartoon. Write to us and let us know what you think about the issues and opinions shared in this newsletter. The next issue of INDEX will be available in January, to contribute email index@ comhlamh.org or call the Dev Ed team on 01 478 3490 by December 5th.
“HIV and AIDS do not stigmatise. People do.” – Fr Micheal Kelly
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AIDS: A Local and Global Issue? by Richard Carson MDGs in the Classroom by Nogugu Mafu INDEX Links: Dev Ed courses & events
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EU News: DEEEP Summer School Experience by Nogugu Mafu
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International Dates
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Profiles: Diaspora Women’s Initiative 9 (DWI) & Stamp Out Stigma Campaign News: Dev Ed news, funding, 10 and resources Resource Review: Global Dimensions by Astrid Perez Pinan
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Index
www.comhlamh.org INDEX is a Comhlámh publication for the Dev Ed sector funded by Comhlámh, Trócaire, and Irish Aid. The views expressed in individual articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organisations to which they are affiliated, the editorial committee, or Comhlámh. The editorial committee are: Ali Leahy (Comhlámh), Matthias Fiedler (DICE project), Jenna Coriddi (CGE, Belfast), Aoife Rush (Trócaire), and Lucy Hill (NYCI). Comhlamh is a signatory to the Dóchas Code of Conduct on Images and Messages (for full document see: http:// www.comhlamh.org/resources-library.html or contact us for a copy of the Dóchas flyer). Feedback on this issue is most welcome - email: index@comhlamh.org.
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HIV & AIDS and Public Education: The ‘Inside’ & ‘Outside’ Story
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ith a HIV prevalence rate of 16% Zambia faces enormous challenges in its fight against HIV and AIDS. One of the challenges in combating the virus is the stigma that surrounds the pandemic. In 2004, 80:20 and local Zambian artist Stary Mwaba began a public education campaign aimed at challenging this stigma. With young people from both Ireland and Zambia, and 80:20 local partners, a giant art mural was developed at public sites throughout Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. What was significant about this project was the interaction of the public - many of who were HIV positive – who publicly shared a part of their lives on the mural. Each year since then, 80:20 and their local Zambian partners have developed a public education project around World AIDS Day (WAD) with young people, local partners, and the general public. In 2007, the mural took the form of a ‘maze’ – a giant walk-through structure created by local Zambian artists. Linking in with the general WAD theme of ‘Leadership’, the participants felt that it was time to reflect and expose the ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ story of HIV and AIDS. It was agreed that the maze would be connected by a ‘road of life’. Along this road at certain junctions one is met with potential HIV and AIDS related challenges from life’s journey – such as peer pressure, ‘sugar daddies’, and alcohol/drugs. The ‘outside’ of the maze symbolises the external ‘story’ of HIV and AIDS – statistics, and general issues such
“It is not easy to be born and live with HIV from the very first moment to the very last people discriminate you. How I wish I had a choice, to be born with HIV or not. How I wish you were careful my dear and beloved parents. Although many years have passed since you were taken by HIV, I am still caught in a dilemma, whether to hate you for infecting me with HIV or to love you for giving [me] life... I further wish you were still alive to protect [me from] evil forces. Though you are dead I want to inform you that the people you left me with and those nearby discriminate me. It’s not easy...” (Excerpt from the mural taken from a participant’s personal testimony)
as the transmission of HIV - and calls on leaders from all sectors in Zambia to take positive action. The ‘inside’ of the maze is the untold story – the personal perspectives and experiences of those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS - viewed through a series of windows that expose individual stories. One young man wrote a letter addressed to HIV “the abominable virus.... the ghost which attacks tirelessly day and night...without mercy...” He strongly condemns the impact of HIV on his life and those close to him, and challenges its hold on Zambian society. Another participant wrote and illustrated about the inconvenience of having to take anti-retroviral drugs. Sometimes they made her ill and sometimes she just wanted to sleep, yet she had to wake early to take her medication. The young people took the maze to one of the busiest shopping centres in Lusaka where for a day, the general public, other local organisations, and government representatives were encouraged to interact with the maze, to walk through and experience it, and to understand how those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS feel and what they want to communicate. The public were encouraged to learn and to contribute their experiences, thoughts and reactions.
issues such as HIV and AIDS and enables communication through other media such as role-play, drama, music, poetry, film, and so on. Representing a message through symbols engages a wider audience for example those unable to read and write can participate in the debate. Participants get the opportunity to paint, sing, dance, photograph, film, write poetry, and improve interview skills. They meet young people from Ireland and Zambia, meet and interact with the public, work with professional artists, and much more. Toni Pyke is Education Officer with 80:20 Educating & Acting for a Better World and worked in Zambia as the 80:20 Zambia Programme Coordinator. To learn more about 80:20 visit www.8020.ie. Students from Munali Girls’ and Kabulonga Boys’ High Schools in Lusaka, Zambia painting the ‘inside’ of the maze in preparation for World AIDS Day 2007; photograph: Toni Pyke.
We have found that this creative and engaging methodology provides a forum that promotes peer and public education where young people are the educators. It is an effective forum to explore, learn and debate complex
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AIDS: A Local and Global Issue? “Even though it is members of our cities, towns, communities and families which have been affected, when it comes to HIV parts of Dublin can seem farther away than Durban.”
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hen we think of an epidemic sweeping the world with devastating effect, we think of scientists frantically trying to stop its spread and find treatments for those suffering. If only a breakthrough could be made then everything would be OK. However the AIDS pandemic is different. The transmission of HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS, is entirely preventable. Yet over 33 million people live with the virus and there are over 2.5 million new infections every year. Good treatment has been available for over a decade yet only a minority of those infected have access to it and over 2 million people die each year. HIV & AIDS is described as a pandemic, which means that it has impacted the whole world. However some parts of the world have been impacted more than others. Two thirds of all those living with HIV are in the sparsely populated region of Sub Saharan Africa. Many of the countries in this region have seen a significant proportion of the population infected. In Swaziland one in four adults are living with HIV. As the AIDS pandemic affects the key workforce in any developing county it has a significant impact on the education, health, defence, agricultural and industrial sectors. Also with so many parents having died there are 12 million children orphaned by AIDS in the region. With this figure possibly increasing to 14 million by 2015, this presents us with one of the great sociological challenges of the 21st century. The proportion of those infected in Western Europe is comparatively low. Ireland has seen 4,781 recorded HIV infections since the mid 1980s. The vast majority of these infections have been through injecting drug use (29%), sex between men (22%), and heterosexual transmission (38%). A significant proportion of the heterosexual transmissions in Ireland have been identified in people who were born in countries of high prevalence. In 2007 there were 362 new infections in Ireland which is almost one a day. AIDS will, in people’s minds, always be linked to the issues of drugs and sex (in particular homosexual
Caption: Territory size shows the proportion of all people aged 15-49 with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) worldwide, living there. © Copyright 2006 SASI Group (University of Sheffield) and Mark Newman (University of Michigan).
sex). These are not easy issues for Irish people to engage with and discuss. This fact coupled with our comparatively low prevalence can provide a challenge for communicating the importance of a local response to HIV. Even though it is members of our communities and families which have been affected, when it comes to HIV parts of Dublin can seem farther away than Durban. The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Dr. Peter Piot, identified a number of key “drivers” of the epidemic. These “drivers” are structural and social factors that are difficult to measure. They can however be responsible for increasing people’s vulnerability to HIV infection. They include gender inequality, human rights violations, and discrimination. This issue of stigma is certainly felt both at home and abroad. As a result, last year saw the roll out of “Stamp Out Stigma”, a government initiated media campaign which saw local and global agencies join with people living with the virus to challenge this complex social problem. Indeed, the success of any efforts made to prevent the spread of the virus, to provide appropriate treatment for those infected, and to see changes in attitudes will be reduced unless stigma is challenged. Over the last 27 years medical personnel, government agencies, NGO’s, faith based organisations, and individuals have all been seeking to respond effectively, both here in Ireland and around the world. It is when all of these parties work together that we can envisage an end to the impact of AIDS. And there is good news. HIV prevalence in a number of Sub Saharan African countries has begun to fall as comprehensive prevention strategies are implemented. While a vaccine may be a long way away, new breakthroughs in treatment are being made. People living with HIV are finding a voice, finding that the virus does not have to define their lives, and that they can play a key role in leading the ongoing response. Richard Carson is the Education Director with AIDS Care and Education Training (ACET). He can be contacted at richard.c@acet.ie. Learn more about ACET at www.acet.ie.
MDGs in the Classroom
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hile statistics and shocking pictures might work for certain target groups, I have learned that they are a complete turn off for teenagers. Especially when the objective is to introduce unfamiliar concepts with long names such as the “UN Millennium Development Goals”. This year KADE (Kerry Action for Development Education) got an opportunity to present the eight goals to two schools via an interactive Transition Year (TY) unit aptly named “Developing Local and Global Links”. The opportunity to develop the unit came from a study on Opportunities for Development Education at Senior Cycle carried out by the National Council for Curriculum Assessment. The unit builds on and contributes to various areas of study at both Junior and Leaving Certificate levels. Examples include Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE), Social and Environmental Studies, Geography, Religious Education, ICT, English (media studies, journalism and research), and History. Transition Year students in Mercy Mounthawk (Tralee) and Colaiste na Sceilge (Caherciveen) got a chance to explore and learn more about global justice issues such as Poverty, Unfair Trade, and HIV/AIDS, all within the framework of the MDGs. However, the fun began when students started their project work, which makes up the largest component of the unit. The unit provides guidelines for project work but students decide themselves what projects they want to work on. These projects ranged from designing posters on climate change and related topics to devising lesson plans for junior classes in their schools and neighbouring primary schools. Students in Mercy Mounthawk had already built a relationship with a school in Kenya and used the unit as a structure within which they increased their knowledge about problems faced by children their age in Kenya. They also took the time to educate the local community on MDGs in general and to drum up support for the classroom-building project they are collaboratively working on with the community in Kenya. As attitudes are beginning to change, albeit slowly, from viewing development from a charity based to a more balanced
Mercy Mounthawk students putting their heads and hands together on global issues. Photograph: Nogugu Mafu
“Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I may not remember. Involve me and I will understand.” ‘working together’ approach, the unit provided essential background information, and most importantly a very different perspective of understanding poverty in Kenya and elsewhere in the world. In Colaiste na Sceilge the unit was delivered concurrently with the Trócaire Project, Pamoja Kwa Haki (Together for Rights). Students not only got the chance to learn and share knowledge about the MDGs, they also got to examine the relationship between all eight goals by focusing in on the issue of climate change. This was the Pamoja theme for Lent in 2008 and the country of focus was Kenya. The highlight of the whole experience was the preparation and hosting of Marysent Mugambi, Trócaire’s Lenten visitor from Kenya. Marysent gave an animated description of the effects of climate change in Kenya and how these effects have made a bad situation worse for people already trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty. Her presence, as usual, helped to make real concepts that can seem quite abstract and therefore difficult to understand. The MDGs unit enabled TY students not only to learn various skills of research, organising and working together, but most importantly to be critical and active global citizens. As project worker I learned not to tell, nor to show, but to involve! For more information on the TY unit, which is awaiting validation by NCCA, keep an eye on the KADE website www.kade.ie. Nogugu Mafu is KADE’s Schools Outreach Officer and can be contacted at kadetralee@eircom.net or on 06671 81358.
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Index Links
Courses
Comhlámh’s Options and Issues in Global Development Course This two day participatory workshop provides those interested in volunteering overseas or working for global development with the chance to meet with others and consider the options available. It will explore development and underdevelopment, the role of the development worker, types of development and aid agencies, motivations for going overseas, and solidarity work from Ireland. Date: 15th - 16th November, 10am to 4:30pm (Saturday) 10am - 2pm (Sunday) Venue: Comhlámh, 10 Upper Camden St, Dublin 2 Cost: €35.00 (members) / €60.00 (non-members), €25 (students and unwaged), including lunch Contact: Siobhan at 01-478 3490 or email siobhan@comhlamh.org
Footprint on the Planet – Dublin 6 December Funding Opportunities – Limerick 11 December Contact: Alan Hayes at 01 4255932 or alan.hayes@nyci.ie or visit www.youthdeved.ie/training.
Diversity through the Arts Workshops Learn to explore diversity and intercultural issues through the use of a variety of art forms, such as music, drama, storytelling, and visual art. This training focuses on the primary school curriculum and in particular the intercultural guidelines. Date: Saturday November 15th and 29th Venue: Irish Aid Centre, O’Connell St, Dublin 2 Cost: €10, bursaries available for immigrants Contact: Alison Leahy, call 01 478.490 or email ali@comhlamh.org NYCI Dev Ed Training Courses Global Justice and Youth Work September - December One World Week Training – Nationwide October/November Linking to the Wider World – Galway 19 November Picture Perfect – Dublin 4 December
HIV and Stigma Workshops As part of the Stamp Out Stigma Campaign, Dublin AIDS Alliance has developed ‘HIV and Stigma’ workshops aimed at voluntary, private, and statutory organisations. Contact: Jane Toolan on 01 8733799, email jane.toolan@dublinaidsalliance.com, or visit www.dublinaidsalliance.com/ training.htm
Comhlámh’s Skills in Dev Ed Course This nine week evening course uses participatory methods to introduce participants to the concepts of development education, and to equip them with the skills to work more effectively and creatively with groups when exploring intercultural and development issues. Date: Tuesday evenings, February 17th – April 28th. Contact: Alison Leahy at ali@comhlamh.org or 01 4783490
Dóchas/Connect Workshop Series on NGO Communications These workshops for Dochas members aim to contribute to new approaches to communications, and to increase our impact on public understanding of development in times of increasing skepticism about overseas aid. The ‘Essence’ of Development NGOs, in their own words 13 October Getting the Message Across; an Analysis of NGO Communications 14 November Venue: Camden Court Hotel from 9.30 am – 1 pm Contact: Anna at anna@dochas.ie to register.
Dtalk – Development Training & Learning @ Kimmage Development Studies Centre Creative Facilitation 5-7 November M&E & Impact Assessment Refresher Course 17 November Monitoring & Evaluation 18-21 November Working with the Media 1-2 December Initial Preparation for Working in the South 8–12 December Proposal Development 16-18 December Leadership & Teambuilding 16-18 December Contact: Niamh Brennan or Selam Desta on 01 4064307or email dtalk@kimmagedsc.ie, visit www.dtalk.ie Global Development This ten week course looks at issues and challenges that face our world. Date: Begins 9th October at 7 pm Venue: Dundalk Institute of Technology Contact: Bobby McCormack at bobby@develomentperspectives.ie, call 0870536622, or visit www.developmentperspectives.ie Anti-Racism and Intercultural Awareness Training for Trainers NCCRI are organising this two-day training programme targeted at people who have a background in training and facilitation. It aims to provide trainers with the necessary tools and knowledge to deliver antiracism and intercultural training. Venue: Sessions will be run locally in Cork, Galway, Waterford, Dublin, etc. Cost: €150 Contact: Carina Fitzgerald on 01 8588000 or email on carina@nccri.ie or visit www.nccri.ie
Index Links
Theories of Race and Ethnicity: This ten week evening course introduces theories of ‘race’ and ‘ethnicity’. Date: Tuesdays, 27 January - 21 April 2009. Venue: Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2 Contact: Elena Moreo at moreoe@tcd.ie or call +353 (01) 8963204.
Events Barnardos “Tomorrow’s Child” Conference This conference is aimed at childcare practitioners, researchers, policymakers, decision-makers and all those who need to know about children’s lives. Venue: Dublin Date: November 5th and 6th Contact: conference@barnardos.ie or call 01 453 0355 ‘Together in Diversity’ This conference will examine the role and contribution of community development in the creation of an intercultural society. It will feature international and Irish speakers, field visits, a cultural showcase and more. Date: Novemeber 6th and 7th Venue: Dublin Castle, Ship Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Contact: Email intercultural@ combatpoverty.ie
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Conference on Movement Building & Global Solidarity Comhlámh, Africa Centre, Debt and Development Coalition and LASC are organizing an activist conference on the theme of movement-building and activist solidarity. Mark the date down in your diary now! More info shortly, so watch our websites! Date: November 7th and 8th Contact: Fleachta Phelan at fleachta@comhlamh.org or 01 4783490 Debate it! The Concern Debates are Concern Worldwide’s flagship schools’ activity with over 160 schools taking part annually. Students across the country debate a wide range of development issues from celebrity campaigners to biotechnology. It’s a great opportunity for students to develop their research and debating skills and to challenge their perspectives on the world. We are presently recruiting volunteers to join our panel of debate adjudicators. Once you are on our panel we will contact you when there is a debate in your area to see if you are available to adjudicate. No experience is necessary, as we will provide support and training. For more information and to register as an adjudicator go to www.concerndebates.net. Date: October to May, week night evenings Venue: Countrywide Contact: Gráinne on 087 3299865.
Share your opinion on the issues covered in INDEX… perhaps someone else out there agrees with you… or doesn’t…Let’s find out! This is a new space that we’re hoping INDEX readers will use to discuss and debate.
NYCI Presents One World Week 2008 One World Week is a week of youthled awareness raising, education and action, during which young people learn about local and global justice issues and take action to bring about change. This year’s theme is Young People’s Rights. An activity resource and training in the use of the resource is available. As part of the week there will be a central event to celebrate 60 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to provide an opportunity for groups to display their work from the week. Date: 15th - 22nd November, central event on Saturday 22nd November Venue: Central event in Irish Aid Information and Volunteering Centre Contact: Lucy at lucy.hill@nyci.ie for more information. Shaping Interculturalism in Youth Work As 2008 is the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is hosting this one day conference that will showcase successful youth projects and promote debate on the barriers and challenges facing the youth sector as it embraces interculturalism. This conference is aimed at heads of organisations, policy makers, decision makers, youth workers, volunteers and anyone interested in interculturalism in youth work. Date: Friday, 28th November 2008 Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Northwood, Santry, Co. Dublin. Contact: Lisa Hyland on 01 478 4122 or email lisa@nyci.ie.
Send your comments to index@comhlamh.org or call the Dev Ed team on 01 4783490 and let us know if you’d like us to print your opinion in the next issue or not.
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EU Corner Deeep summer school experience! This June the DEEEP summer school looked at “Getting Eradication of Poverty and Social Exclusion on the Political Agenda through Dev Ed and Awareness Raising.” My working group explored this theme at local level while the other two working groups focused on national level and European level. We agreed on the following points regarding poverty: • Poverty is not a state of being but a relationship between rich and poor. • Poverty is a complex phenomenon occurring within a multifaceted landscape of unfair power relations. • The terminology we use often determines how we engage with the poverty debate. • Poverty is a political phenomenon. • In the poverty debate, language and knowledge are crucial tools of power. We agreed that awareness of these points ultimately determine the decisions and approaches we take in our day-to-day work. We also listed ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ for when dealing with local politicians available at www.kade.ie. The issue of unfair power relations resonated in my mind that whole week. I tried to understand what power I or anyone has, to change structures that have been so deeply embedded into our economic, political and cultural systems over hundreds of years. I reflected on Zimbabwe, one of the poorest countries in the world at the moment, and how power has been at the heart of its crisis for years. I thought of the damage caused by colonial powers and by the dictatorship of the present government, while remembering that in such power struggles it is always the ordinary person on the street who pays the price. As an African adage says, “When elephants fight, it’s the grass that dies”. With all these and other thoughts, I left the summer school with more questions than answers. I kept wondering if, as Dev Ed practitioners or NGO workers, we: • Empower the poor we represent or decide what we think is good for them? • Speak for them or create free, conducive spaces for them to speak for themselves? • Exclude by our use of language or try to understand those who struggle to express themselves in languages foreign to them? • Listen at all? • Include those we represent – and if so, at what levels, to what extent, and for whose agenda? Nogugu Mafu is KADE’s schools Outreach Officer and can be contacted at kadetralee@eircom.net or on 06671 81358. For more information on the Summer School visit www.deeep.org/english.
International Dates to Remember October 12 International Day for Disaster Reduction
Visit www.unisdr.org/eng/risk-reduction/education/education.htm for links to resources that explore how to reduce the risk and impact of disasters.
October 15 National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
This day marks an opportunity to increase awareness of the devastating and disproportionate effects of AIDS in the Latino community. It is also a day to encourage HIV testing and to push for support from public officials and religious leaders. Throughout the year, there are many annual national and global awareness days to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic. These dates and related resources can be found at www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/index.html
15th - 22nd November One World Week
This week looks at ‘Young People’s Rights’ and is a chance for young people to learn about local and global justice issues and take action to bring about change. Visit www.youthdeved.ie/ to see how you can take part.
December 1 World AIDS Day Visit www.developmenteducation.ie/issues/ for fact sheets on HIV and AIDS. Visit http://worldaidscampaign. org/ for more information on action happening globally.
December 6 Global Day of Action on Climate Change
Visit www.developmenteducation.ie/issues/ for fact sheets on HIV and AIDS. Visit http://worldaidscampaign.org/ for more information on action happening globally.
December 9 International Anti-Corruption Day Visit www.transparency.org/tools/e_toolkit for fact sheets and corruption fighters’ toolkits.
December 10 Human Rights Day
View an online workshop on human rights at www. developmenteducation.ie/humanrights/. Visit www. trentham-books.co.uk to order a new publication entitled ‘Teachers and Human Rights Education’.
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Profiles
Diaspora Women’s Initiative (DWI) DWI is a non-governmental and voluntary organisation that stands to empower migrant women to tackle HIV and AIDS in Ireland. Our vision is of social change in Ireland, whereby HIV and related problems are openly discussed. We hope that this will improve access to information, care, and support for people affected, and will also reduce new infections. Our specific objectives are to 1. Raise awareness about HIV, and HIV related stigma and discrimination 2. Research and advocate on HIV policy issues 3. Create networks with migrant communities and Irish led service providers 4. Provide support and non judgmental information to HIV and AIDS affected women In the year since DWI was started, we have become aware that the general public in Ireland is not well informed about HIV and AIDS, despite concerted effort by the Stamp-Out Stigma campaign. It is believed that
more than a third of all people with HIV in Ireland do not even know they are infected (Christian AIDS pack, 2008). Kevin Meyer in the Irish Times (10th July, 2008) puts the blame on Africans for bring HIV to the western world. Such mindsets, ignorance, fear, homophobia, and racism make HIV an extremely stigmatised condition in Ireland. Consequently many people, especially women from migrant communities, are too affected by stigma or by fear of stigma to find out their HIV status. This fear of stigma and blame can prevent those who know of their status from telling their immediate families, friends, and social groups. Consequently there is low uptake of the HIV support services provided by Irish based organisations. There is also much HIV stigma and discrimination within migrant communities, while some migration policies leave women vulnerable to HIV infection.
This all makes the need to dispel myths about people living with HIV and AIDS extremely urgent. DWI believes that HIV affects all equally. For example, out of the 204 newly diagnosed HIV infections in Ireland last year, 39.7% were born in Ireland, while 42.1% were born in Sub-Sahara Africa. This means that we all have a role to play. DWI encourages the NGO sector, especially migrant led organisations, to take part in collective action to identify HIV and AIDS related issues, and to develop and design strategies for engaging in policy dialogue and awareness raising. To this end DWI is organising a one day conference and social evening on 28th November, 2008. For more information call Juliet Amamure on 0851051894 or e-mail diaspora.dwi@ gmail.com. Diaspora Women’s Initiative, NCP 19 Belvedere Place, Dublin 1 Phone: 085 1051894 Email: diaspora.dwi@gmail.com
Stamp Out Stigma Campaign In countries like Ireland life expectancy for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) or AIDS is approaching the population norm. In developing countries, however, HIV and AIDS continue to have a devastating effect. There are often considerable cultural, economic and social barriers to achieving universal access to prevention, care and treatment. In both settings the stigma associated with HIV seriously compromises the quality of life of people living with HIV. While treatment and care in Ireland continues to be of a very high standard, stigma and discrimination need to be challenged. The campaign results from a unique partnership of domestic and international development agencies working on HIV and AIDS, statutory
agencies and people living with HIV. People living with HIV played a central role in developing the campaign, cofunded by the Department of Foreign Affairs (Irish Aid) and the Department of Health and Children. It aimed to promote an understanding of HIV while highlighting the irrationality of stigma and discrimination, to consult with people living with HIV and document their experiences, and to study the reality of HIV-stigma in Ireland. The first year had a highly successful media campaign which included postcards, print adverts and TV adverts featuring household names such as: Andrea Corr, Larry Mullin, and John Rocha. The website, www. stampoutstigma.ie, continues to be a source of information, including
the publication “Personally Speaking”, which links the stories and experiences of people living with HIV from around the world. The Equality Authority has included HIV stigma in its business plan for 2008. We hope that this will increase awareness among people living with HIV of their rights and make it clear to employers and service providers that they have legal responsibilities not to discriminate. Ciaran McKinney, on behalf of the Multi-Stakeholder Forum ciaranmckinney@glen.ie Visit www.stampoutstigma.ie
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News
Dev Ed News Putting Global Poverty & Social Inclusion on the Political Agenda
The DEEEP Summer School held in the Netherlands in July, looked at how to do this through Dev Ed, advocacy, and campaigning. For more information read Nogugu Mafu’s article on page 8 or visit www.deeep.org/english for reports and presentations.
STAR awards nominations AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, is holding the STAR Awards to acknowledge the fantastic work being done by adult learning projects. Nominations close November 14th. To learn more visit www.aontas.com.
Comhlámh’s New Office!
We Have Moved! You can find us at Comhlámh, Ballast House, Aston Quay, Dublin 2. We are directly opposite O’Connell Bridge on the South side, on the corner between Westmoreland Street and the Quays. Our e-mails and website are unchanged so continue to contact us at info@comhlamh.org, at firstname@comhlamh.org, and by visiting www.comhlamh.org.
International AIDS Conference
The 17th International AIDS Conference took place August 3rd – 8th in Mexico City. Visit www.comminit.com/ mexico_aids to read the online discussion towards a more effective HIV and AIDS strategy.
Resources The Development Reader
The Development Reader is a new edited text from the Centre for Global Education that aims to provide an introduction to key international development issues and the main trends in development policy and practice. The book includes expert analysis on debt, trade, HIV, gender, child labour, migration and asylum. Visit www.centreforglobaleducation.com.
Positive Voices
This is an All Ireland Charter of Rights for People Living with HIV, produced by the Rainbow Project. Visit www.rainbow-project.org or call David on 0044 (028) 71283030.
HIV: What’s the Story? Red Cross Campaign
This Red Cross campaign uses an interactive teen soap accessible via Bebo, MySpace, YouTube and Facebook, and accompanying profile pages to promote HIV awareness amongst 15 to 25 year olds. At www.redcrosshiv.org there are interviews with young volunteers from the UK, South Africa, Ethiopia and Kyrgyzstan. A 10 minute briefing on HIV and AIDS for educators, and free educational materials are available at redcross.org.uk/education.
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Stop AIDS Campaign Policy Paper This policy paper looks at how the G8 can keeps its promise of universal access by 2010. It highlights four critical areas that the campaign believes must be delivered on if universal access is to become a reality. Read it at www.stopaidscampaign.org.uk.
Health & Development Networks HDN facilitates information, dialogue and advocacy approaches on HIV and TB. It focuses on increasing the voices of those least able to speak out, including those of marginalized/isolated groups, communities and individuals affected by HIV and TB. Visit www.hdnet.org/v2/home/
The Communication Initiative
This network is an online space for information sharing and for connecting people and organisations supporting communication as a strategy for economic and social change. Visit the HIV and AIDS page at www.comminit.com/en/hiv-aids.html for campaign news and educational resources.
Training Needs of People Working with Asylum Seekers
Copies of the publication are available for distribution from Mary Sheehy, email msheehy@partnershipcork.ie.
Second Level Workshops and Lesson Plans
The Waterford One World Centre has Dev Ed workshops and lesson plans looking at human rights, fair trade, and more. Visit www.waterfordoneworldcentre.com, call 051 873064 or email info@waterfordoneworldcentre.com for more information.
Funding Community Foundation for Ireland’s Small Grants Scheme (2008)
The Community Foundation favours projects leading to the social inclusion of people and communities. Apply by 31st October. Contact Helen Beatty at hbeatty@ foundation.ie, or call 01 874 73 54.
Community & Voluntary Grants Scheme
Visit www.pobal.ie/live/smallgrants or call 01 448 4888 to learn more.
St Stephen’s Green Trust Grants scheme
This scheme supports organisations working in Ireland to improve the lives of people who are affected by poverty/ disadvantage and social exclusion. Contact Orla O’Neill, email info@ssgt.ie.
New funding website
www.fundingpoint.ie aims to provide Irish charities with an efficient and cost effective way to diversify their funding.
INDEX
Reviews & Resources
Global Dimensions:
A Guide to Good Practice in Development Education and Intercultural Education for Teacher Educators
The DICE Project has developed a guide to help address a real and expressed need within initial teacher education for ongoing support in integrating global and social justice perspectives within primary education in Ireland. The publication is designed to support this integration through disseminating ideas, guidance and examples of good practice that in the main are drawn from the experience and learning gathered by the DICE Project team. The Guide seeks to highlight opportunities through which the colleges of education can develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills among their students and staff that are considered necessary for understanding and responding to inequalities, injustice and discrimination both locally and globally. Thus, the guide promotes the creation of an inclusive Irish society of critical global citizens. ‘While the target group for this guide is primarily those involved in initial teacher education, it has wide applicability and relevance for all educators involved in the fostering of core concepts and enlightened practice for a global and just world.
The layout of the guide is such that it builds from theory to practice. There is detailed exploration of the strands that make up both development education and intercultural education. The sub-themes, without exception are centrally relevant for citizens of a world that respects diversity and promotes social justice. Of great appeal to teachers will be the guidelines on a range of methodologies suitable for implementing curricular areas linked to the strands. There are also guidelines on assessment of material covered. Most encouragingly, there is a section that details a range of resources that may be accessed to support teaching and learning. This is in addition to the useful print- and web-based links that are suggested right through the text.
excellent resource should enrich any educational community. It will help to cultivate the creation of a better, more just, and peaceful world for all.’ – Dr. Maeve Martin, Education Department, NUI, Maynooth. The Global Dimensions Guide was written by the DICE team: Matthias Fiedler, Barbara Gill (RIP), Claire O’Neill and Astrid Pérez Piñán The guide is available for €10.00 through the DICE project. Order forms available through www.diceproject.org or email info@diceproject.org.
‘In the work of education for social justice, a few dedicated, lone disciples are not sufficient in any education community to carry this through effectively and imbue the values at college level. The guide recognises this, and it advocates a whole college / school approach. Furthermore, it offers practical advice on how to bring this about. Careful, considered usage of this
Have you ever used cartoons as a resource for Dev Ed? Each issue we feature a cartoon you can cut out and adapt for your particular needs. Why not build up your toolkit? For a great introduction and insight into ideas and activities for using cartoons in education go to www.developmenteducation.ie/cartoons Tratamento by Jarbas, Brazil, from the 1st International HIV/Aids Cartoon Exhibition, created by the Brazil Ministry of Health and the Memorial Institute of Graphic Arts (IMAG - Brazil) to use cartoons to reach the public with messages about HIV/Aids prevention, treatment and human rights, www.ccs.saude.gov.br/aids/mostra/index.htm.
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