World AIDS Day Observed Across Morocco

December 2009

After showcasing the Bulgarian national network after World AIDS Day, Y-PEER received many reports of national activities relating to this event. We wish to commend them for their efforts, and share their ideas and information with others involved in HIV/AIDS programming around the world.  One such account comes from the Y-PEERs in Morocco, whose activities, organized in collaboration with their host NGOs, occurred throughout the first two weeks of December, 2009. Through a coordinated effort, Moroccan youth covered ground all over the country, with a diverse spread of events to target the public in raising awareness of HIV and AIDS.

One of the most effective ways of raising HIV/AIDS awareness is by speaking face to face. Y-PEERs in Tangier and Marrakesh organized informational sessions aimed at students from high school to the university. NGO ALCS and Jeunes pour Jeunes Project in Marrakesh worked in collaboration with Abou el Abbas High School to carry out several activities ranging from distributing red ribbons and informative brochures, to conducting a two-hour informational session on HIV prevention to 90 young people. The workshop, facilitated by young people,  consisted of a film demonstration, followed by open discussion.

Meanwhile, in the Law Faculty of Abdelmalek Assaadi University in Tangiers, youth organizers discussed the ways of transmitting HIV and other issues such as stigma and discrimination. Additionally, they later organized a screening of a film about HIV/AIDS three days later in the Rif Cinema, which opened its doors for admission to the general public.

In the nearby city of Kenitra, young people, together with OPALS (Pan-African Organization for the Fight against AIDS), organized an artistic evening consisting of musical, theatrical and dance performances, as well as a painting exposition. Organizers utilized the event to present information about HIV/AIDS to those in attendance, and broadened its reach by inviting media representatives who later provided television coverage.

Farther down the coast, Y-PEERs in Rabat got the green light from a local radio station to air their testimonials from young people concerning World AIDS Day, which urged people to be aware of the methods of HIV transmission.  Continuing down the road to Casablanca, young people from various organizations held a march in observance of World AIDS Day and raising awareness.  NGO ALCS spearheaded the symbolic march, in which members of the local community, including children, young people, and adults marched on this memorable Sunday.  Of course, we can’t forget to mention that the famous Arab actor, who also serves as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Y-PEER national celebrity from Egypt, Mr. Khaled Abu Naga, participated in this event as well (pictured below in center).