HIV and AIDS in Malawi

Over 14% of Malawians are living with HIV. The youth are one of the most endangered groups, the risk of  contracting HIV being five times higher in girls than in boys. Condoms, that could save many lives, are often not used. The Malawi syllabi (both at primary and secondary schools) contain lessons on HIV/AIDS but apparently don‘t have a major impact on the change of the sexual behavior.

Zione in Malawi schools

Details and budget of the project.  DVD cover for the film

To introduce an effective HIV/AIDS prevention amongst the Malawi youths boNGO made a film called Zione (trailer). The film is a story of a 17-year old Zione who due to financial hardships chooses to earn money through prostitution. The project aims to be a platform for open discussions about love, draw attention towards STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and the importance of observing preventive measures.

The film can be watched on youtube in three parts:  Zione part I Zione part II Zione part III.

To reach as many young people as possible with the film, the project Zione in Malawi schools was designed to allow for a “travel cinema” that will show the film at all (even the remotest) primary and secondary schools in the country, complemented by follow-up activities that will promote prevention of HIV/AIDS, and responsible behaviour amongst youths  boNGO is looking for a suitable partner to fund this project.

Zione in Czech schools

Starting in September 2011 the project will be simultaneously running in primary and secondary schools in the Czech Republic under the name ‘Zione in Czech schools’. Its aim is to offer the Czech youths a deeper understanding of the HIV problem as well as an insight into the lives of their peers in the Sub-saharan Africa through showing the film Zione and participating in subsequent group discussions on some of the themes of the film.