Project hopes to curb spread of HIV, AIDS
Kendra Albright and Karen Gavigan from the School of Library and Information Science were in the state Department of Juvenile Justice’s (DJJ) classroom, and the students were incarcerated teenage boys. In their hands they held a different type of textbook than what students normally see — and the students are its authors.
The boys’ project is a fictional graphic novel called “AIDS in the End Zone,” which tells the story of a high school football quarterback who will do anything to get back his starting position — even infect his rival with HIV. Albright and Gavigan worked with the DJJ students to create the novel to educate teens about HIV and AIDS and preventing transmission.
All juveniles in the DJJ attend school at the department’s special school district, which serves about 900 students in fourth through 12th grades, according to the department’s website. Gavigan said she and Albright identified the target population in South Carolina as males between 15 and 21 years old because of their risk of HIV infection.
Gavigan and Albright conducted research before starting work on the novel. Gavigan specializes in graphic novels and literacy rates, while Albright studied communication and education strategies in AIDS prevention in Uganda.
“[Albright] had an epiphany moment when she heard about my background and contacted me about making this happen,” Gavigan says.
The duo is working with the Richland County Public Library to survey the novel’s readers and see if the book meets its education goals.
The goal, Gavigan said, is to test the book in at-risk schools and publish it nationally and internationally. The book has already garnered attention — a reporter at The New York Times has a copy, and it was featured in an article on the USA Today website, according to Gavin.
USC students think the book can be a positive force in education, especially for teenagers.
“It’s a good idea to have something out there about AIDS prevention,” third-year public health student Beth Turlington said.
Fourth-year criminal justice major Brady Suit said he wasn’t sure the novel is the proper form of media to educate youth about HIV and AIDS.
“However, if it helps children relate to the material and understand the subject matter better, then I am in full support of it. If it spreads awareness, then why not?” Suit said.
“It is so powerful to see these young men who have gone through some struggles come together on this,” Gavigan said. “It has been one of the most rewarding experiences to see them take ownership of this from beginning to end.
“I hope others think in terms of these kinds of projects and work with similar students in positive ways to help create a great experience.”