Elizabeth James, PhD, Center for Afro-American and African Studies, University of Michigan, 4725 Haven Hall 505 S.State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 734-764-5517, ecnirp@umich.edu

Sangomas, the traditional healers of the Republic of South Africa, are engaged in an ongoing struggle against the pandemic HIV/AIDS crisis which is decimating their homelands. Over the past two years, a contigent of sangomas, who are essential to many South Africans for their health care, have worked with the University of Michigan's Center for Afroamerican and African Studies Study Abroad Program participants to learn an HIV prevention module which they in turn teach to their communities. This has proven to be a highly effective means of educating mass numbers within the communities. Three major cities (Johannesburg, Durban and Capetown) were targeted for the program. The sangomas voluntarily assembled to take the courses necessary for their training. Using an oral method of presentation, this simple yet detailed style of training has proven to be very successful in its popularity and execution.

Learning Objectives:

• discussion of the Pedagogy of Action study abroad program at the University of Michigan Center for Afro-American and african Studies, which utilizes an oral HIV module, created by Dr. Nesha Haniff.
• I will lead a discussion about the relationship forged with sangomas (traditional healers)in teaching the HIV module
• An analysis will be put forth regarding this relationship
• A discussion will take place regarding the need to collaborate with local and non-traditional health experts in all regions in order to successfully combat HIV

Keywords: Health Activism, Poverty

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.