In 1995, government officials in Malawi were disturbed. If they failed to adequately address their skyrocketing HIV/AIDS problem, they could lose an entire generation, and the future of their country along with it. At the same time, leaders in Hungary faced a different problem. The post-Communist years had left their youth with a marked sense of disillusionment and isolation, and they were increasingly turning to high-risk behaviors—creating a potential foothold for crises like HIV/AIDS.
Both governments made the radical decision to seek the help of education and faith leaders. In the face of the overwhelming need, safe-sex and even abstinence programs were clearly not enough. Youth needed to be taught more than how to act responsibly—they needed to develop the character necessary to reinforce those actions, and thus avoid negative consequences like HIV/AIDS. Out of this, CrossRoads was born.
CrossRoads staff based the curriculum in part on the concept of ‘ABC’ (Abstinence, Be faithful, Condom use) used in Uganda. It held its first Teacher Training in Libreville, Gabon in 1996. Today, CrossRoads works with government leaders and educators, as well as social services, business and medical professionals, in over 60 nations to help youth build strong character. Its curriculum, Life at the CrossRoads, has been translated into 15 languages. Thus, many have had the opportunity to develop the character and skills they need to avoid high-risk behaviors—and help preserve not only their own futures, but the future of their nations.
CrossRoads International has developed a powerful array of tools to effect true and lasting life-change. By focusing on what matters most in life—your beliefs, your character, your dreams—the CrossRoads strategy is saving thousands of young lives from the horror that is HIV/AIDS. Children’s HopeChest has partnered with CrossRoads for many years in helping reach at-risk orphans in Russia with this incredible material.
Matthew Monberg
Chief Operating Officer
Children’s HopeChest
[CrossRoads is] a tool for teachers and parents to help the youth to internalise positive values and beliefs…The skills acquired by participants through the workshop are key in bridging the communication gap between adolescents and adults, especially in the era of HIV/AIDS…It is admirable that some organisations are still determined to impart good moral values to the youth.
–Ms. Gladys Kokorwe
Kweneng South Member of Parliament
Gaborone, Botswana
(as reported by BOPA News)
The Department of Education of the Administration of the Samara Region expresses its sincere gratitude for the effective work of the Russian department of the “Youth at the CrossRoads” project in the realization of the educational AIDS-prevention program “Life at the CrossRoads” in the educational institutions of the Region…The methodological materials of the course “Life at the CrossRoads” are being used actively by educators of general and beginning professional institutions of education that are participating in this program.
–Y.Y. Kogan
Director, Ministry of General and Professional Education of the Russian Federation—Administration of the Samara Region
