JICA, Sony for the next generation in Ghana 2009

JICA, Sony for the next generation in Ghana 2009
Masahudu Ankiilu Kunateh, Ghanadot

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Sony, a global leader in electronics, are providing world-class entertainment for teeming Ghanaians while educating them on HIV/AIDS prevention, and offering free counseling and testing.

Sony is collaborating with JICA in Ghana to show live-matches of the Confederation Cup in South Africa to Ghanaian audience through a large screen.

At the programme, JICA, through its project ‘HIV and AIDS Prevention through Education (HAPE)” will showcase educational and recreational activities such as football matches, quiz competitions and drama as well as offer free HIV testing and counseling, and many more.

The JICA-supported HAPE project is aiming to reduce HIV prevalence among young people by focusing on prevention through reduction of their risky behaviour. It is being implemented in collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission and the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) from October 2005 to September 2009 in 181 communities in 10 districts of the Eastern and Ashanti Regions.

The Semi-final and final of the Confederation Cup in South Africa would be shown on large screen through a live telecast in Koforidua on the 25th June, 2009.

Also, football match screening and HAPE project activities would be organized in other Ashanti and Eastern regional towns such as New Abirem, Bekwai, Mampong, Nkawie and Akosombo between 26th June and 2nd July, 2009.

Mr. Kunihiro Yamauchi, the Resident Representative of JICA Ghana Office, expressed his delight about the collaboration with Sony.

He said “It is a great delight to partner with Sony to provide quality entertainment to teeming Ghanaians, especially those in rural areas.

This partnership also provides a unique opportunity to educate them more on HIV/AIDS and offer them free counseling and testing in a friendly, professional and confidential environment”.

Indeed, JICA is committed to assisting developing countries in many areas of development including agriculture, health, education, governance, private sector development and attainment of Millennium Development Goals as prescribed by the United Nations.

Ghanadot