AIDS & Ladders

Objective:
· To make players aware of behaviors and attitudes which can either promote or prevent HIV infection and AIDS.

Target Group:
· Upper level primary schools students, secondary school students.

Group Size:
· Two or more players, classroom (40-50 students) divided into two or more teams.

Materials:
· Large playing board for classroom use or smaller playing boards for small groups. Colored buttons or other markers, a playing die.

Preparation:
· Make a playing board and a large playing die.

Time:
· 30 minutes

Directions:
· Each team will roll the die for the highest number to determine which team will have the first turn. The team with the highest number will roll the die again and then move the number of spaces as indicated by the number on the die. When a team/player lands on a space with a written phrase in it they must read the phrase out loud to the other team/players.* If it is a behavior or attitude which prevents HIV infection and AIDS the team/player may climb up the ladder to the space at the top of the ladder. If it is a behavior or attitude which promotes HIV infection and AIDS the team/player's marker is swallowed by the snake and must be moved to the space marked by the snake's tail. The team/player which reaches Home Safe Home is the winner.

* Encourage students to discuss the behaviors and attitudes. Why do we do these behaviors? And, why do we have these attitudes?

Adapted by K.D.C. Perera, Assistant Director Community Health, Sri Lanka Red Cross