HIV&ME
10-Week Journey – Education, Prevention & Empowerment
WEEK 1: KNOW THE FACTS – HIV 101
TOPIC
DETAIL
What is HIV?
Understanding the virus, its history, and how it affects the body
HIV vs AIDS
Clarifying the difference and progression
Transmission
How HIV is and isn’t transmitted
Myth Busting
Debunking common myths and misconceptions
Activity: Pre-course quiz and myth/fact group exercise.
WEEK 2: UNDERSTANDING YOUR BODY – SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
TOPIC
DETAIL
Reproductive Anatomy
Understanding male and female reproductive systems
Sexual Health Basics
Hygiene, regular check-ups, and self-care
STIs and STDs
Common infections, symptoms, and prevention
The Link Between STIs and HIV
How untreated STIs increase HIV risk
Activity: Anonymous Q&A session and group discussion.
WEEK 3: PREVENTION IS POSSIBLE
TOPIC
DETAIL
Safe Sex Practices
Condoms, lubricants, and healthy communication
PrEP & PEP
Understanding pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis
Regular Testing
The importance of knowing your status
Mother-to-Child Transmission
Prevention during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Activity: Condom demonstration and PrEP information session.
WEEK 4: LIVING WITH HIV – DIGNITY & CARE
TOPIC
DETAIL
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
How it works, adherence, and success stories
U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)
Understanding the science and its impact on stigma
Healthy Living
Nutrition, exercise, and mental health for PLHIV
Support Networks
Building systems of care and community
Activity: Guest speaker – someone living with HIV sharing their story.
WEEK 5: BREAKING THE STIGMA
TOPIC
DETAIL
Understanding Stigma
What it is, where it comes from, and its impact
Empathy & Compassion
Walking in someone else’s shoes
Language Matters
Using respectful and inclusive language
Advocacy in Action
How to be an ally and advocate
Activity: Roleplay scenarios on responding to stigma.
WEEK 6: EQUIPPING PEER EDUCATORS
TOPIC
DETAIL
Becoming a Peer Educator
Skills, responsibilities, and boundaries
Communication Skills
How to talk to peers about sensitive topics
Confidentiality
Trust and ethical guidelines
Referral Pathways
Where to send people for help, testing, and support
Activity: Peer educator roleplay and scenario training.
WEEK 7: FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
TOPIC
DETAIL
Talking to Parents
Encouraging open conversations at home
Community Partnerships
Working with churches, schools, and clinics
Youth-Led Initiatives
Designing campaigns that speak to young people
Community Resources
Mapping local services and support
Activity: Design a community awareness event or campaign.
WEEK 8: MENTAL HEALTH & RESILIENCE
TOPIC
DETAIL
Mental Health & HIV
Understanding anxiety, depression, and their links to HIV
Coping Strategies
Healthy ways to deal with stress and challenges
Building Resilience
Strengthening mental and emotional toughness
Finding Purpose
Identity, meaning, and hope after a diagnosis
Activity: Mindfulness and resilience-building workshop.
WEEK 9: ADVOCACY IN ACTION – CREATING CHANGE
TOPIC
DETAIL
Advocacy Planning
How to become a voice for HIV awareness in your community
Campaign Creation
Developing a peer-led awareness campaign
Using Social Media
Digital advocacy and reaching young people
Measuring Impact
How to track the success of your advocacy
Activity: Draft a community advocacy campaign plan.
WEEK 10: GRADUATION & PEER EDUCATOR COMMITMENT
TOPIC
DETAIL
Campaign Presentation
Present your advocacy campaign to stakeholders
Peer Educator Pledge
Formal commitment to serving your community
Resource Sharing
Ongoing tools, contacts, and support networks
Ceremony
Certificate presentation and peer educator badge
Activity: Graduation ceremony and commitment pledge.