Some of the Pimon teachers are ready to learn how to facilitate an HIV game called “Red Risk.” Some of the students also participate.

Anton created this game a while back and explains the rules.

Each person gets four black cards, which symbolize your blood. A few joker (HIV) cards are mixed in and no one knows who has them.

You exchange on card with another person and then check to see if they gave you the infected card.

At first there is only one joker card, and everyone is encouraged to exchange with as many people as possible, as fast as possible for one minute.

Then more joker cards are added. People start to get a little wary because they spread fast.

Then we explore some ways of slowing down the spread. We start by limiting the partners. They can only have 6 in one minute, and the virus slows.

Then, we explore abstinence for one minute. Some still trade, but those who don’t trade, don’t get the virus.

Then, we explore being faithful to one partner.

During this round, one person acts as a VCT counselor and, if you want, can check all your cards and your partners cards before “getting married".

Our friendly VCT counselor informs those who come to him of their HIV status.

In being faithful to someone who is faithful to you, the worry over whether or not you will get the card in the exchange is gone.

Next we designate a store clerk to sell condoms (red cards)

In this round, a person can exchange a black card for a red condom card that will remain face up. If they do see the joker, it won’t infect them...

...However, once they see it, it’s time to exchange for a new condom or it won’t work the next time they see it.

In the last round they can do as they wish. Some abstain. Some minimize the number of partners.

Some try to be faithful

Some try to tempt those who are being faithful.

Some use a condom

And others just go about recklessly.

At the end of the game we come together to talk about what we’ve learned. I’ve definitely learned a lot.