correct information about HIV/AIDS

Young people may find it difficult to obtain clear and scientifically correct information about HIV/AIDS, sexual behaviour, or other topics
that may be sensitive in their society. Where information is available, it may be given in a manner that is authoritarian , judgmental, or
non-adapted to the young people’s values, viewpoints and lifestyle. This situation threatens young people’s right to information.
One effective way to break these communication barriers is peer education. Peer Education is a dialogue between equals. It involves members of
a particular group educating others of the same group. For example, young people share information with each other, some acting as facilitators
of the discussions. It usually takes the form of an informal gathering of people who, with the help of the peer educator, (someone of a similar age
or social group), discuss and learn about a particular topic together. Peer education works well because it is participatory, meaning that it
involves people in discussion and activities. People learn more by doing than by just getting information. Peer education is therefore a
very appropriate way to communicate human rights in the context of HIV/AIDS and to empower young people to take action. Examples of
participatory activities used in peer education are games, art competitions and role plays. All of these can help people to see things from a new
perspective without "being told" what to think or do.