Abstract:
This article describes challenges of conducting an HIV prevention program involving 40 male and
female participants ages 12–18 in Hammanskraal, South Africa, aimed at increasing awareness and
knowledge of laws protecting children’s sexual health rights and access to services through a culturally
based “study circle” format. Challenges highlighted by the project included Institutional Review
Board approval of youth consent procedures, cooperation and coordination with local policymakers, the
need to modify presentation materials to youths’ comprehension levels, availability of youth-based
sexual health service providers, and cultural ambiguity over parental involvement in youth health care
decisions and laws pertaining to sexual relationships among minors.
