Addressing sexual and reproductive health related taboos in radio mass Media communications: experience in Rwanda

Live Safe Play Safe (LSPS) is an innovative prevention and education initiative designed to protect the sexual and reproductive health of children and youth, reduce their vulnerability to HIV and AIDS, and to promote their health in general. At the heart of Live Safe Play Safe (LSPS) is the idea that children and youth are more likely to change their attitudes and behaviours if they engage with the information through active participation in sports and games that are fun. If these games are embedded in the regular day to day life of the community - for example, if they are led by the sports coaches, outreach workers, and teachers that the children see every day - this opportunity to make real change becomes even more powerful. When children and youth engage in discussion about HIV and AIDS with adults who hold positions of respect in their community, an important change in the behaviour of both groups has already begun to happen. LSPS is a program that trains volunteer coaches, teachers, and others so that they can lead groups of children and youth in games designed to provide information, change attitudes, and alter behaviour of children and youth regarding HIV and AIDS.