MLMERRITT-PC_LESOTHO
A PCV in a rural village in Maseru, Lesotho wanted to get people talking about HIV in his community. Right down the street from his family's compound was the local water pump where over 100 people would gather each day for daily water collection. After receiving permission from the local chief, the PCV collected brushes and paints to begin his mural. He mentioned the idea to his host nieces and they eagerly jumped in to help. As they began painting, folks would come and go to collect their water. Each of them was intrigued and excited to see the finished mural. News began to spread throughout the community as the PCV and his host family continued painting throughout the day. The finished product was a simple red ribbon with the message, "Together, we can stop HIV," in both English and Sesotho. The mural can be see as far as the next surrounding village and is located by a frequently traveled road. By painting as something as easy and simple as a red ribbon at his local water pump, now HIV awareness is spreading throughout his community.