Submitted by Kenyan CTC Staff on Sun, 2011-08-21 23:00
The CTC Health Program organized a retreat for HIV positive 13-19 year olds from Maaimahiu town, Limuru, Githunguri, Ndeiya, Njambini and Kimende regions. We had 155 participants attend. The retreat venue was Stephjoy Christian Secondary School in Rironi Kiambu.
Training at the Retreat
Pastors, care givers, the medical staff and other invited counselors led discussions on various topics which included;
ØSelf identity/value and appreciation as one infected and affected by HIV.
ØBody development -changes taking place and how to cope with them.
ØCommunication(effective and barriers and type of communication)
ØImportance of education as a core aspect of ones’ life
ØSetting smart life goals
ØBehavior and the factors affecting how one behaves: peer education, alcohol, drugs and substance abuse, consequences of irresponsible sex, abortion etc.
ØGeneral hygiene and good adherence
We also had a good time with competitive indoor and outdoor games such as poems, dancing and other fun activities. To make things even more exciting, wend had prizes too! Prizes included umbrellas, photo albums, information counseling clips and stationary. The youth really had fun during this part of the retreat and appreciated having time set aside for them to enjoy themselves.
CTCs Key Contributions
Ø14 of the participants were from the Maaimahiu community. We have a close relationship with many of them through our kids clubs. Some have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS and our Community Health workers are often available to them to provide support.
ØThe Health program donated towards the retreat expenses and teens upkeep at our venue, Stephjoy secondary (venue).
ØCo-ordination and enrollment for our regional participants
ØTransport from Maaimahiu to Stephjoy and back with our program van
CTC International is very proud of our youth; we always jump at the chance to impact the lives of this young generation for a better tomorrow. We sincerely appreciate our partners Kijabe Mission Hospital, the Stephjoy Secondary School Director for providing us with a venue for the retreat. We are also grateful for all the pastors and other staff members who availed themselves to make the day successful.
Thanks,
Charles Wachira, HIV/AIDS Program Director
