AIDS CHALLENGE - DHOLUO (KENYA) COST: $ 33,285
	Level of support already acquired:

THE NEED

Over 800 Kenyans die from HIV/AIDS related illnesses daily (Government national statistics). In rural areas many more deaths go unreported. The people affected worst are the Dholuo language speakers of the Nyanza Province. In Nyanga Province entire families have been wiped out leaving deserted homesteads in places like Kendu Bay, Homabay and Kisumu. Poverty in this province is high, literacy is low and basic healthcare is mostly inaccessible. This makes radio the best means of communicating the message of the Gospel and information on HIV/AIDS. It is estimated there are approximately 8 million Dholuo-speaking people in Kenya and 223,000 in neighboring Tanzania. (Kenyan national census – 1999, Ethnologue)

THE PROGRAMME

AIDS Challenge expands the popular programme The Honey That Kills, already produced in Portuguese, French, Kirundi, Swahili, Chichewa, Shona, siSwati, and English into the Dholuo language by drawing on pooled resources between studios and producers across the continent. The programmes are tailored to individual countries and cultures. An added benefit is found in partnering relationship with other Christians organizations already at work in various countries to develop on-the-ground workshops that complement the programmes. Presented in magazine format, The Honey that Kills presents Christ's love through the Scriptures; testimonies and encouragement from Christians who are HIV-positive. Programmes also feature medical and health advice from believers who are experts in their respective fields.

TWR’s programme, The Honey That Kills, has already made a significant impact on AIDS sufferers in other parts of Kenya (and in several other African countries where the programme is broadcast) and will provide much-needed education and advice while challenging people to embrace Christ and Christian values.

Two newspapers in Uganda reported, a few years ago, that The Honey That Kills was a contributing factor to the turn-around of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in this country.
Numerous letters received by TWR speak of lives changed through listening to the programme, both through finding Christ, learning how to prevent HIV/AIDS or how to live productively with the virus.

The former president of Malawi, Dr. Bakili Muluzi, when inviting TWR to set up a nation-wide Christian radio station in that country asked TWR to continue dealing with the problem of HIV/AIDS in Malawi. The programme is well received by Malawians.

INTENDED RESULTS

Follow-up on programmes produced and aired in various countries over the past 10 years has shown extensive results. This information has been used to keep the
programme relevant and effective. The programme will

motivate, encourage and empower the Dholuo-speaking people to take charge of the fight against AIDS in their communities by adopting alternatives to cultural practices that enhance the spread of the disease.

share information that will counter the misconceptions and incorrect beliefs that promote the spread of the disease amongst the Dholuo speakers.

train and encourage families to care for the sick at home (Home based care) rather than neglect and alienate them from society as has been the traditional practice.

offer the message of salvation in and through Jesus Christ while offering an alternate lifestyle based on biblical values.

THE COST

TWR intends producing 104 15-minute programmes for broadcast twice a week. The programme will be broadcast on FM to the Dholuo-speaking people via the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation at a total cost of $ 33,285 (US). This includes programme production and broadcasting.

We invite you to join us in praying for this project and giving financially to make the programme possible.