Submitted by Health on Mon, 2011-08-29 00:00
On the 24th, 40 youth from Maai Mahiu and surrounding areas arrived at the CTC youth center, on the 26th, 40 peer educators emerged. In just a few days, we covered several issues affecting youth today and provided youth with the tools to tackle them head on through Peer education training. Peer education is a powerful evidence based intervention against risky behavior and HIV transmission among youth.
While the aim of the training was to impart the skills of peer intervention, youth picked up a variety of communication skills during the training as well. Through focused group discussions and presentations, participants learned how to facilitate groups, how to better communicate and they gained confidence at the same time.
The goal of the program was to give youth the tools to educate their fellow peers on healthy life choices. The main priorities of the training were to encourage youth to know their HIV status and to reduce stigma associated with HIV/AIDS among young people.
The topics covered included;
-Understanding Peer Education
-Facts on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections and TB
-Gender and its relationship to HIV/AIDS
-Alcohol, drugs and Substance abuse
-Adolescent sexuality, sexual deviation and deviation management
-Behavior change communication Strategy.
-Abortion, consequences and post abortion care
-Communication skills, life skills, relationships, values and principles exploration
At the end of the three days training, 40 participants left fully equipped with the skills and knowledge to correct the misconceptions among young people on HIV/AIDS and other life issues. The Peer Educators have a difficult task at hand, to reach out to the vast population of young people struggling with peer pressure from all sides. We are overwhelmed to see young people have such zeal to make a difference and bring change to the Maaimahiu Community.
Thanks,
Charles Wachira, HIV/AIDS Program Director
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