MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies at Yale
Fox International Fellowship

Alexander Afsahi

Fox International Fellowship
Academic Year: 2009-10
Direction: From Yale
Exchange Partner: University of Cape Town, South Africa
Research Interests:

Sport, Stipend And Salvation: Volunteer Retention Rates In Community Based Health Organizations In SoutheRn Africa

Alex s research focuses on Grassroot Soccer Inc. (GRS), an organization that trains African soccer stars, coaches, teachers, and peer educators in a soccer-themed HIV prevention curriculum. The curriculum serves as a platform for deeper conversations about the dangers, myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and the ways individuals can protect themselves. Alex will analyze the attitudes and motivations of GRS volunteer coaches, the lifeblood of the program. With his research Alex hopes to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between volunteer health educators and community-based public health programs.