"Life 101, The Journey" Photo Comic Book

This photo comic series forms part of the Addis Ababa University - Modeling and Reinforcement to Combat HIV/AIDS (MARCH) Project. MARCH aims to promote behaviours that reduce the risk of HIV infection, such as faithfulness, condom use, early detection, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), by promoting peer discussion and the use of role models to demonstrate positive behaviour change. It also seeks to encourage positive living and reduce stigma in the university. The MARCH project has three implementing partners, the National Defense Forces of Ethiopia (NDFE), the Federal Police Commission and the Addis Ababa University (AAU).

The photo comic series, written in Amharic, aims to use drama, humour, and heartbreak to explore the challenges facing Addis Ababa university students today. It follows the story of three students and a couple at AAU as they go about their daily university and city life, dealing with issues such as transactional sex, condom use, relationships, testing for HIV, and gender equity.

The edutainment print series was produced by the Addis Ababa University MARCH Project with technical assistance from Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, the National AIDS Resource Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Funding was provided by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through CDC.