Overview

Kicking AIDS out is an international network of sport for development NGO’s, organizations and national sport structures working as a collective to raise awareness about how sport and physical activity programs can be adapted to promote dialogue and education about HIV and AIDS and to facilitate life skills training. A major focus of the network is to support locally run initiatives in building up capacity of youth leaders as Kicking AIDS Out facilitators so that the concept can be woven into the fabric of community programs and sport initiatives. 

Through membership in this network, organizations are afforded the opportunity to share and discuss their unique experiences of combining sport, physical activity and HIV and AIDS education. Various forums exist for members to share their learning about sport and its current and potential impacts in successful HIV and AIDS education methodologies, youth leadership development, girl’s empowerment, and the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices.

Membership in this international network means exciting opportunities for youth leaders and participants to come together to share and learn from one another’s experiences of how individual organizations are using sport to empower youth with important life skills to become local leaders and role models. Beyond youth development, the Kicking AIDS Out network places a great deal of importance on supporting the strengthening of sport specific education and programming. Quality coaches, trainers and programs are integral to promoting positive community development through sport. Finally, the Kicking AIDS Out network supports members in strengthening their organizational capacity to be able to effectively deliver their sport and development programs. 

Links with National Sport Structures

Members of the Kicking AIDS out network are sport for development organizations that are striving to compliment existing development programs of national sport structures in their country rather than creating parallel programs and structures. Organizations seeking membership in the Kicking AIDS Out network is asked to demonstrate how they are working with national sport structures in their country. 

Secretariat

The Kicking AIDS Out network is represented, managed and coordinated by the Secretariat.  The Secretariat is hosted by the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF) in Cape Town, South Africa. As the network continues to grow, the need for small regional satellite Kicking AIDS Out offices may become necessary. These offices would depend on the interest and demand of the network and the funding available from other international sources.

Partners, Members and Associates

Partner: funding agencies and donors that provide strategic, financial, programming and/or organisational assistance to members

Member: NGOs and/or registered development through sport organisations that are currently implementing sport and physical activity programs to achieve relevant development goals.

• Organisations applying for membership status must plan to integrate Kicking AIDS Out training and concept into existing programs
• Organisations with membership status can expect to receive support from the Kicking AIDS Out Secretariat and get access to curriculum resources and a wider network of trainers and organisations, as well as  license to use logos and branding trademar

Associate: Non-governmental and/or agencies working in the field of sport and/or community development.

• Organisations applying for associate status should be able to offer expertise, skills and knowledge that can further strengthen the goals and the objectives of the Kicking AIDS Out Network
• Organisations with associate status can expect to receive license to use logos and branding trademark.