Success

So... the 'Condoms and Clubs' campaign was a success, despite having lost all funding two weeks before the official launch. We passed out 14,000 male condoms and 800 female condoms in four days.

There were two demonstration sights- one in Traps Bar and the other at the TOTAL gas station, and three participating nightclubs. Trained volunteers went around from 8pm to 11pm and handed out packs of condoms and lube. Although the response could have gone either way, we were delighted to see it favored our campaign. As the week continued we had to incorporate additional nightclubs by request from managers and owners.

I've finally returned to Lautoka and feel ready to start the campaign again here... but first I'm off to the Yasawas for three days with work, then vacation when my dad arrives on Saturday :o)

I've added a sort of photo diary below because people keep asking me to post pictures... enjoy.

Suva sunset

Plenty of condoms and lube

Condom packing parties

Packing with the HIV Project Officer for Ministry of Health HQ

A trainer for the campaign (left), and a volunteer (right)

Fiji Network for HIV+ People (FJN+) volunteers packing female condoms

PCVs [and Kaori- my JICA counterpart] watching 'My Best Friends Girl' at Carla's house

Dec. 2nd- the first day. Setting up the demonstration sight at TOTAL gas station.

Boxes of 25

Project coordinators with two male Peer Educators in Suva

Tuesday night volunteers

Wednesday night

Thursday night PCVs

Promotional red tequila shots from one of the Bars- they were delicious!