Formerly known as the International Cooperation Festival, African Festa is an annual event held in central Tokyo, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On 20th and 21st May, JOICFP and 38 other NGOs concerned with Africa took part in African Festa 2006. JOICFP aimed to raise awareness of its "Save Mother from AIDS" campaign, as well as for its HIV/AIDS and RH projects, and the general HIV/AIDS situation in Africa.

The JOICFP booth showing posters
to raise awareness and artwork for sale

JOICFP decorated its booth to reflect the “Save Mothers” campaign, putting posters on the wall that visitors could add a smile to by drawing a red AIDS ribbon and sticking it on. Also on display were materials from the very successful Aichi Expo, such as a quiz on the average life expectancy in Zambia, and messages explaining the health situation in developing countries.

Putting a smile on a mother's face
with a red AIDS awareness sticker

JOICFP handed out information on HIV/AIDS, its Japanese publication World and Population, and information about its activities, such as training for CBDs (community-based distributors) and peer educators for HIV/AIDS, training for TBAs on prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT), behavior change communication (BCC), and advocacy in the community using the picture drama, “Endless Goodbye.”

Fund raising goods, such as coffee and artwork were sold, raising around US$500.

As well as the success of informing many members of the public about its activities, young JOICFP staff learned a lot from the planning, development and implementation of the weekend’s event, thereby contributing the organization’s capacity.

Members of public learn about JOICFP's activities
and HIV/AIDS at JOICFP's booth