'A Parrot on your shoulder' is a guide for NGOs, community-based organisations and facilitators starting to work with orphans and vulnerable children. The resource has been created by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance. This fully illustrated activity guide provides advice on children's participation, as well 30 detailed examples of activities aimed at engaging children actively in discussions.

Visit the Alliance website (www.aidsalliance.org) to download a PDF or order a free printed copy.

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) is a project that aims to create a network of experienced and committed researchers, policy-makers, activists and donors, who will work together to ensure that the many aspects of sexual violence are addressed.
The objective of SVRI is to promote and disseminate action-oriented research, to reduce and respond to sexual violence through:
- Identifying gaps, building capacity, supporting research, raising awareness and building partnerships.

The SVRI will focus on the sexual abuse and coercion of adult and adolescent women, child sexual abuse, sexual torture and sexual violence in war situations, and trafficking in women and girls for sex. The SVRI is funded by the Global Forum for Health Research (GFHR) and currently hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

For more information and to join the initiative: www.who.int

Registration is now open for the 7th International AIDS Impact Conference, to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 4 to 7 April 2005. The conference is expected to attract approximately 800 delegates from over 50 countries. It will take an in-depth look at the changing interaction between the biological, psychological and social effects of HIV/AIDS.

Registration and Abstract Submission
- Early registration ends on 1 October 2004 and the deadline for abstract submission is 1 October 2004.

Exhibition Stands
- During the four-day conference, exhibition space for commercial purposes and NGOs will be available at the Cape Town Convention Centre.

For more information: www.sahara.org.za or www.AIDSImpact.net.
Email: [email protected]