Peer Education Programme

PEER EDUCATION AND TEENAGERS

Many HIV/AIDS educators accept that HIV/AIDS education targeting youth and delivered by professional adults must be enhanced by related educational initiatives delivered by youth to youth. One of the assumptions underlying successful peer programmes for young people is that peer groups can have a significant impact on attitudes and behaviour.

The Allan Vincent Smith Foundation Peer Education Programme targets youth between the ages of 13 and 18 and will train those interested as Peer Educators to act as resource persons within their school communities. Presentations can be made to school classes, or entire assemblies, upon request from a parent, teacher or head teacher.

The programme goal is to increase AIDS education and awareness and reduce the possible transmission of HIV and other STDs among our young people.

This can be accomplished by:

Providing accurate HIV/AIDS and related information.

Providing opportunities for youth to discuss dating and gender related issues.

Supporting abstinence and safe sex practices.

Providing opportunities for youth to discuss substance use and its impact on their judgment.

Assisting youth with understanding the psychosocial issues facing persons living with HIV/AIDS and those affected by it.

School-age children and teenagers are well aware of the affect HIV and AIDS have had on our community. If you are a parent who has difficulty discussing sex and gender issues with your child, please CLICK HERE for important information on identifying opportunities to talk with your child about these issues.