Jan. 3rd 2007
Hello everybody, Silas Here. Over the Holiday break we had an amazing online release of “Lusaka Sunrise” to over 150,00 people on Couchsurfing.com. Our good friend Casey Fenton who is the Couchsurfing founder sent out an email from myself to the entire Couchsurfing community. Since then we have gotten some amazing feedback/suggestions regarding the best way to spread the films message. I’m working hard to write you all back on couchsurfing 
Thank you so much for your emails, they mean a lot.
In response to Nikka, Liliana, and Namaskars recent posts.
Each of your comments and questions were fantastic. Many times we’re asked, “well how is this literally working?” The way that soccer is logistically used as a tool to fight HIV/AIDS is through a couple different organizations based in Zambia. Grassroot Soccer is one, www.grassrootsoccer.org , and the Kalusha Foundation is another.
Each works with established soccer players in the community, and povides education through different educational games. One game “pass the stone” is highlighted in “Lusaka Sunrise” and Victor explains to open ears the difficulty in detecting someone who is HIV positive.
Below is a great summary found on www.grassrootsoccer.org
GRS realized that the true power of soccer has always been connections that it creates between people. Using footballers as role models, and using the popularity of soccer to engage hard to reach young people, GRS has combined social theory, public health methodologies, rigorous evaluation and a huge dose of passion.
Our curriculum is based on the Social Learning Theory. The program combines three powerful principles of education:
- Kids learn best from people they respect. Role models have a unique power to influence young minds. Young people listen to and emulate their heroes. Grassroot Soccer uses professional players and other role models as HIV educators and spokespeople.
- Learning is not a spectator sport. Adolescents retain knowledge best when they are active participants in the learning process, teaching others what they themselves have learned. Grassroot Soccer graduates are trained to become peer educators and advocates in their communities.
- It takes a village. Role models can change what young people think about, but lifelong learning requires lifelong community support. Grassroot Soccer fosters community involvement through youth outreach, long-term partnerships and special events like graduation ceremonies for graduates.
Click here to learn more about the details of the curriculum.
Hopefully this provides some concrete examples of how soccer is used in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Nikka, Liliana, Namaskars, Thanks so much for your posts.
Talk soon,
Silas
