SHARE

In early 2004, SHARE set up the Africa Project Task Force, an expert panel of intellectuals and experienced workers formed with board approval to conduct research for a new project in Africa. This panel helped narrow the areas in which SHARE should create a project, helping to further advance planning and start turning the idea into reality. After reviewing the extent of HIV/AIDS infection, easiness of communication and accessibility, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia were selected as candidates. SHARE then began a process of surveying each area to find the best location for a project.

Primary Survey (May 31st ~ Jun 23rd 2004)

As a primary survey, SHARE conducted research in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia regarding rates of HIV/AIDS infection and preventative measures that were being taken. In order to understand the seriousness of the situation in Africa, SHARE's volunteers visited over 20 NGOs and 10 government agencies (hospitals, clinics, insurance agency, etc) dealing with HIV/AIDS issues. Thus, SHARE's volunteers and staff were able to understand the prevailing situation more precisely while observing the roles of NGOs and government agencies in tackling the issue. Clarifying what SHARE could do to help in Africa was the next step in advancing the project.

Secondary Survey (Oct 18th ~ Nov 23rd 2004)

After the primary survey was completed, SHARE's board members held a discussion and decided that a secondary, more elaborate survey was necessary. This secondary survey was designed to pinpoint a specific location for the program, making the project more concrete. As a result, it was determined that an HIV education programs as well as care for HIV-positive patients should be provided in Zimbabwe. The research agenda included an environmental survey of the local area where SHARE was considering the project, along with a survey determining possibilities for local NGOs that could become partners with SHARE for this project. However, the survey concluded that Zimbabwe would not be an ideal candidate for the project because limitations on registration became very strict after 2005. After a survey of South Africa and a discussion with the Japan Volunteer Center (JVC), which has had experience with projects in South Africa, it was settled that SHARE would implement its HIV/AIDS project in South Africa.