Communication Guides for Facilitators: HIV Prevention Series

From Capable Partners (CAP) and FHI 360, this group of communication guides are structured teaching aides that assist a community outreach facilitator to guide a small group session to raise awareness of key drivers of HIV using interactive activities. The guides are designed to be very user- friendly for use in various community settings and with various audiences.

The communication guides are designed to provide clear, focused behaviour change messages to individuals to promote adoption of safer behaviours to prevent and reduce HIV transmission. The guides were developed to support national HIV/AIDS efforts as outlined through Botswana AIDS Impact Survey III (2008) and the National Strategic Framework II for HIV/AIDS (2009-2016).
There are a total of nine topics in this communication guide package:
• Alcohol
• Condom use
• Cross-generational sex
• Delayed sexual debut
• Gender-based violence
• Multiple and concurrent sexual partnerships
• Positive health, dignity, and prevention
• Relationship enrichment
• Safe male circumcision


Each communication guide has three major components:
1. Facilitation Guide:
This section provides guidance on how to effectively work with group participants to explore key facts about the subject matter, spark discussion on strategies to address the subject matter in their lives, and clarify misconceptions or misinformation throughout the session.
2. Activities:
Each guide offers examples of a group activity to explore a subject matter in a fun, interactive manner. Each activity is focused on specific age groups and has a clear aim.
3. Notes for Facilitator:
This section provides the facilitator (peer educator, field officer, counsellor, etc.) with reference points and tips to respond to issues that arise during the discussion, including key terms, questions and quick facts to facilitate a better understanding of each topic.

CAP is a USAID-funded project that supports the Botswana government’s efforts to mitigate HIV. The CAP project promotes organisational development and capacity building through networking and technical support. CAP partners with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), faith-based organisations (FBOs), and community-based organisations (CBOs) on HIV prevention services under the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and Peace Corps engagement in PEPFAR programmes.

FHI 360 is a global development organisation with a rigorous, evidence-based approach. FHI 360 operates from 60 offices with 4,400 staff in the United States and around the world.

For access to this manual, please contact FHI 360 through the contact information below.