SIM's HOPE for AIDS project and Flying Mission have been working together diligently to eliminate the occurrence of new HIV and AIDS infections throughout Botswana and surrounding areas. The Life Skills Training Program is one tool that they are using to teach and encourage pre-marital abstinence and faithfulness in marriage.

	Discussion group among teens at a Life Skills Training Camp.

The Better Choices workshop sensitizes individuals to the need for abstinence and faithfulness. It also encourages pastors and leaders to train participants as teachers and/or to encourage their people to participate in the Life at The CrossRoads program. It is an in-depth 30 lesson program that helps individuals develop their values and change behaviors step-by-step—so that they are more likely to practice abstinence before marriage and faithfulness in marriage.

The CrossRoads program has been designed to be adapted to different cultural settings. It has been translated into more than 16 languages and is in use in more than 40 countries across the world, including Botswana. The program has shown that while it's target audience is 12 to 15-year-old students, it has been easily and effectively used with other age groups. In Ghana, for example, it is a fundamental part of the University’s teacher-preparation courses. CrossRoads is an interactive program constructed with a variety of methods, such as literature analyzes, critical thinking problems, music, etc. representing all styles of learning to engage the student.

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