Empuaan’s Youth Literature Project booklet provides culturally-relevant HIV prevention information. Topics include HIV transmission, HIV prevention, condoms and care for people with HIV.
The 64-page booklet is written in Swahili and Maasai languages and illustrated with both Maasai and non-Maasai characters and situations. The left-side pages are written in Swahili language and illustrated with non-Maasai characters. The same text is written in Maasai language on the right-side pages and is illustrated with Maasai characters. Having the text in both Swahili and Maasai languages allows the book to be read, and understood, by Maasai and non-Maasai readers alike.
While many Maasai are unable to read, the importance of the written word is well recognised and most Maasai will have access to someone who does read. In addition to this, printed material in Maasai language is unusual, and therefore highly sought after. A further benefit of producing written materials in Maasai language is that those reading aloud to others do not have to make their own translations and the accuracy of the messages is improved. The distribution of Youth Literature Project booklets in Maasai language is a way of treating the population with respect – a crucial element of the project – while also generating further discussion and providing accessible STI/HIV/AIDS information to all Maasai.
The booklet is free to download. However, copies can only be distributed free of charge: the booklet must not be distributed for profit.
You can download the booklet in either A4 format or A5 booklet format.
Empuaan HIV Book A5 Booklet Format
You can learn more about the Youth Literature Project by visiting our Youth Literature Project webpage.