• Adapting 'Auntie Stella'
• Basic principles
• Existing adaptions

Basic principles in adapting ‘Auntie Stella’

• Everyone who works on the changes should have had some experience using ‘Auntie Stella’.


• Involve young people as much as possible, as well as organisations and community leaders. They can contribute realistic stories and ideas about the replies, and they can pre-test the language and content of the cards.


• Be clear about what you want each card to achieve.


• Keep the language simple, instructions clear and the tone informal.


• Auntie Stella should be sympathetic, never preaching or lecturing; her role is to give information and encourage young people to weigh up their options and make their own choices.


• Encourage young people to believe in themselves and their ability to change, and to set goals for what they want in life. Encourage them to make links with respected elders and community institutions – they do not have to solve their problems on their own.


• Encourage them to act to improve their sexual health and relationships; praise health- seeking behaviour.


• Increase awareness of stigma and discrimination, and build respect toward others, irrespective of their gender, their economic, social or religious status, or whether they are HIV positive or not.


• The Talking and Action Points should encourage discussion and give young people skills such as assessing risks and thinking critically about their own beliefs, relationships, cultures and societies.


• The Talking and Action Points should also help them to explore how to work together and with organisations, and to get involved in decisions that can improve their lives and make their voices heard.

For more information on how to adapt ‘Auntie Stella’, look at pages 32–37 of the Facilitator’s and Adaptation Guide.