By Prudence Borthwick

The winning entry in a Lao PDR photo competition mobilizing fathers to help protect their families from HIV infection.

VIENTIANE, Lao PDR, 4 May 2007 – The setting sun behind Vientiane’s Victory Monument usually illuminates a throng of determined exercisers power-walking or jogging around this Laotian version of the Arc de Triumph, as the last straggling tourists climb back on their buses.

On 1 May, however, the joggers and sightseers were displaced by a crowd of parents and children standing on one side of a small stage, opposite a tent with balloons and activities for children.

They were lining up for free father-and-child photographs, part of the Caring Dads Campaign launched by the Lao Trade Union and UNICEF to coincide with International Labour Day.

Inspiring fathers to get involved

Poster for the Caring Dad Campaign in Vientiane, Lao PDR (designed by Watchirapol Isarangkul).

The campaign, which aims to inspire fathers to care for their children and protect their families from HIV infection, featured a ‘Caring Dads’ photo competition. And because Lao PDR is one of the world’s least developed countries, organizers maximized participation by providing opportunities for families without cameras to enter the competition.

For the evening’s events, a mini-concert drew in the parents, and balloons attracted the children. Popular singers helped the MC deliver the key messages of the campaign, while nearly 100 fathers had their photos taken nearby.

Sang, one of the fathers in the queue, saw a flyer at the garment factory where his wife works and decided to attend.

“I think it’s a good idea. We hear a lot about mothers and kids here in Lao PDR but not much about fathers,” he said. “My daughter did a drawing at the kids’ activity area and now we’re getting our picture taken. It’s encouraging dads to be involved with their families, and stop HIV too, I guess.”

Source: Unicef