The Young Empowered And Healthy (Y.E.A.H) initiative organised the 2nd Rocks Awards on September 23rd 2011 at Silver Springs in Bugolobito recognize the actors, actresses, directors, scriptwriters, producers and sponsors involved in producing the popular  weekly radio serial dramaRock Point 256.  Every week, over 3.8 million youths (15-24 years) listen to Rock Point 256, according to recent research. The drama is designed to get people talkingabout “something for something love”, what it means to be a man, HIV, alcohol, violence against women, family planning, and communication between adults and young people.

Selected by a panel of judges, eight actors and actresseswho perform in the four language dramas received cash prizes for their outstanding performances.  Y.E.A.H. also presented “Rock in Me” awards to five young listeners from Central, Northern, Western and Eastern regions of the country who have been inspired by Rock Point 256 to live healthy lifestyles. Each received a cash prize.

Over 500 guests including Rock Point 256 actors and actresses, celebrities, fans, supporters, and the media attended the event.

More than 400 talented young writers, directors, producers, actors, actresses and national and international communication expertshave broughtRock Point 256 to life every week on 16 radio stations in 4 languages since 2005. Rock Point 256 was named the best radio programme of 2010 by New Vision readers, and has won an international award for excellence in HIV communication from AfriComNet.

“Performing artists should continue using their talents to contribute towards the reduction of HIV amongst young people in Uganda,” said Ms Anne Gamurorwa, the Y.E.A.H Director

The Y.E.A.H Initiative was started in August 2004 by the Uganda AIDS Commission with support from the United States Agency for International Development, and is managed by Communication for Development Foundation Uganda (CDFU) with technical assistance from the Health Communication Partnership (HCP). Y.E.A.H designs and implements multi-channel social and behaviour change communication campaigns for and by young people, 15-24 years old in Uganda, with the  aim of reducingnew HIV infections, early pregnancies and early school leaving.