The Brazilian response to HIV/AIDS is a basic, yet powerful approach, according to Macharia Kamau, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Resident in Botswana. It involves using public school systems as a critical opportunity for children to learn about HIV/AIDS and how to protect themselves. In Botswana, where more than one third of its adults are infected, education at an early stage of the game is crucial and has the potential to reverse the devastating trends seen in Botswana today, according to the Joint UN Program on HIV/AIDS.

A delegation of nine, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, Botswana Television, the University of Botswana and the UNDP, visited Brazil in the fall to learn more about the system in place and create a project for Botswana. This new project is set to begin in February and aims to enhance teachers' ability to talk to students about sex and sexuality in a comfortable, open manner. Such an environment will be created interactive television programs. These programs are intended to help facilitate discussion and break down cultural barriers preventing teachers and parents from talking to children openly about HIV and AIDS issues.

"In our work with Brazil our return on investment has been phenomenal," said Kamau. "The fascinating thing about broad-based South-South cooperation is the extra benefits that both parties enjoy through cultural and interpersonal exchange."

Experts from Brazil will help put the program in place in Botswana over the next 12 to 15 month. These experts will help produce the television programs and create support material for teachers to use. According to Kamau, Botswana Television will broadcast the shows in both Setswana, the primary language of Botswana and English. Video tapes will also be made for those who cannot watch the show live.