1. Mobilizing Ethiopian Idirs: Capitalizing on traditional burial societies to serve the living Presented by Dr. Dehab Belay at IAC 2010

2. Background Idirs are traditional Ethiopian burial societies that help family members during bereavement Most Ethiopian families are involved in Idirs by making monthly contributions and providing practical help to bereaved families Idir group meeting in family home

3. Description We Stop AIDS is a participatory curriculum developed by CRS for use with adults Groups of 20-24 people complete 9 activities, 1 hour each

4. Description Drama, role plays and pictures evoke discussion so literacy is not required In-depth discussion stimulates community action against HIV CRS has trained over 300 facilitators and reached over 19,000 beneficiaries with We Stop AIDS We Stop AIDS includes active participation by trainees

5. Results An impact evaluation of 521 respondents in 3 countries found these results from We Stop AIDS HIV and AIDS are demystified Half of participants in WSA spoke with others about HIV after workshop. Stigma and discrimination are reduced 98% made at least one change to help those infected or affected by HIV.

6. Results Idir members are reaching out to OVC & PLHIV WSA has been used to mobilize 180 Idirs comprised of 5400 members in five dioceses Local solutions are created for local problems 95% of groups who participate in WSA make action plans and carry them out

7. Results: “Sisters Idir” Ihitimamchoch, known as Sisters Idir, has broadened their goal to “support all members in health, social & cultural problems” The Sisters have doubled their monthly financial contribution “Sisters’ idir during training Member of the Sisters Idir with a child she supports

8. Results: “Sister’s Idir”-2 Idir members provide food, clothing, shelter, educational and medical support to OVC & PLHIV Sisters voluntarily do household visits with OVC and PLHIV

9. Lessons Learned Building on existing community assets (e.g., Idirs) creates a sustainable method for community change Members of Idirs have built-in team spirit Developing an action plan together, builds Idirs’ sense of urgency, trust and efficacy Sisters Idir discussing HIV during a workshop

10. Next Steps Scale-up possibilities! In a single geographic area, there are 15-20 Idirs which hold the potential of mobilizing 600 people Recognize successful Idirs

11. Next Steps Train leaders and members to share their success with other Idirs Develop M&E system to capture Idirs’ activities and outreach Link Idirs with economic strengthening opportunities Idirs group discussing action plan after a training workshop

12. Acknowledgements CRS Contributors: – Mayling Simpson-Hebert and the CRS East Africa Regional Office for the development of We Stop AIDS – Dorothy Brewster-Lee, Chief of Party – Adele Clark, Assistant Program Manager – Mitiku Telilla, Ethiopia ABYProject Manager The PEPFAR Track 1 funded Abstinence and Be Faithful program in Ethiopia for piloting We Stop AIDS and innovating its use with Idirs.

13. Additional Information To obtain copies of We Stop AIDS stop by the CRS booth for a CD of resources or visit http://www.crsprogramquality.org. Copies of a full report on CRS’ mobilization of Idirs is available after this session. To learn more about the experience of working with Idirs, contact Dehab Belay, dbelay@et.earo.crs.org.

14. THANK YOU