The Painting for Development project emphasises youth participation in creative activities as part of an educational process. The project is designed in such a way that students in each participating school play active roles in creating the mural. The paintings usually take 2 days to complete, and on the third day the mural is unveiled with all the students in attendance. Approximately one hour is scheduled on the third day for an educational presentation by an AFCODE resource person. They facilitate a discussion on the link between HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, especially through the practice of injecting drugs.

During visits to the schools, networks are formed called Teenagers Against Destructive Actions (TENADA). These networks go on to further promote the use of creative approaches to prevent drug abuse and HIV/AIDS, such as mural painting, poster-making and exhibitions. For instance, TENADA networks planned a poster design competition and exhibition to campaign for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention as well as drug abuse prevention in 2006, with the intention of presenting prizes to mark the United Nations (UN) Day for the Prevention of Drug Abuse on June 26 2006.

HIV/AIDS, Youth, Health, Conflict.