Senegal is recognized as one of the few African countries that has successfully tackled the HIV/AIDS pandemic. As of December 2004, the HIV prevalence rate among adults (15 to 49 years old) was 0.8%, one of the lowest in Africa.

Even in rural areas, the government and NGOs have been conducting seminars and video shows on HIV prevention that have proven popular. However, there are few methods to teach primary school children in an age-appropriate way.

In April 2004, Kazumi Inden was dispatched to Senegal as a JOCV volunteer for rural development. JOICFP donated two sets of The Endless Goodbye picture drama to assist with her activities.

Inden introduced the picture drama to several primary schools in the rural district of Maka Yop, summarizing the narrative into French with the assistance of local volunteers.

Primary school students learning about HIV/AIDS
through the story of The Endless Goodbye
in Koumbidia Soce Primary School

School children who have seen a performance have been greatly attracted by it since the setting and situation portrayed in the drama are very close to their own. Most importantly, post-performance discussions have allowed students to learn correct information about HIV/AIDS.

Students practicing a play
based on The Endless Goodbye
for presentation during their school festival
in Koumbidia Soce Primary School

Another step

Although The Endless Goodbye was designed as a picture drama to be delivered with narration, one school has taken it further and made it into a play. Performed during a school festival, the play was immensely popular and attracted many students and people in the community. The play is now known as 'Nicolina's Story' after the main character in the drama.

Inden intends to further develop her activities by encouraging local health workers and mobilizing the people to contribute to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the community.

The play impressed the audience
and delivered important messages
about HIV/AIDS to the people
in the rural community of Saly Escale

The Endless Goodbye was made by community people in Tanzania with support from JOICFP. It reflects their concerns and values, took little in the way of resources to make, and has proved popular not only in rural African settings but also in developed urban settings, such as in Japan.

For advocacy and BCC to be effective, a strong emotional content is needed, not simply correct information, and The Endless Goodbye is a clear example of how communities can be motivated to produce appropriate tools and messages to tackle their problems under their own initiative.