In total contrast to the blinkered US government approach to AIDS prevention, a young Dutch organisation has launched an international campaign to teach young people about the risks of HIV infection through dance and pop culture. The campaign, supported by the Dutch Stop AIDS Now! campaign and World Population Foundation held its first pop dance festival in November 2004. Simultaneous events were held in South Africa and Indonesia involving more than 50,000 school kids. 43 schools in Indonesia and South Africa participated. The aim of the program is to involve young people themselves in learning about the risks of HIV/AIDS infection, adopting for their motto the words of Confucius:
Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand.
A second Dance 4 Life festival is planned for November 2006. So far 13 countries have signed up to participate. We wish them well.