AIDS Competence in Russian cities
Partner: UNAIDS
After an introductory visit of Jean-Louis Lamboray, chair of the Constellation, to Moscow from 24-29 May 2010, UNAIDS Regional Support Team (RST), CSOs and city mayors showed interest to apply the AIDS Competence Process in the Russian context.
The purpose of the partnership is described as follows: “The Constellation will accompany the transfer of the AIDS Competence Process to three Russia-based teams: one RST-based team and two teams from CSOs. Constellation coaches will mentor a facilitation team in the AIDS Competence Process.
The blended learning modules form the basis for this transfer of skills. Mentoring is happening through Skype and email and two face to face events are planned. The result will be three groups of facilitators that are competent in facilitating within and beyond their organization the AIDS Competence
Process, a proven community-driven approach that facilitates local responses to HIV”.
During the first period of this partnership three complementary activities have taken place.
1. The Blended Learning modules for facilitators on the AIDS Competence Process has been translated in Russian. The Constellation has prepared the platform to host the modules in Russian.
2. Three facilitation teams are in place: one within the RST, one in Kazan and one in Samara. We see the emergence of a National Facilitation Team.
3. The first face to face learning event took place in Kazan, April 2011.
A team of Constellation coaches accompanied the processes and worked closely with members of the RST.
"We need to listen more. We have two ears and only one mouth, I think that is the right proportion", says Elena. Another facilitator shared that "instead of trying to encourage the response in my community by telling them what to do, I just need to ask the right questions. The answers are there, in the community. I do not need to bring them."
On 4th March 2011, UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Europe and Central Asia organised an event following a Leadership training workshop hosted by UNDP. MariJo Vasquez, board member of the Constellation, was invited to make a presentation on Community life competence process. 28 women from 7 countries in the region participated in the event.
The Constellation and UNAIDS signed a Memorandum of Understanding in June 2010 "to strengthen and broaden community responses to HIV" globally.