Germann S, Kaseke S; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. WePeF6858.
Repssi / Salvation Army, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
ISSUES: Years of prevention campaigns targeting youth have demonstrated that increased knowledge alone does not necessarily impact on positive behaviour change. Recognizing that HIV infection rates are still highest in this age group, there is need for innovative and effective HIV / AIDS prevention programs for youth. DESCRIPTION: Salvation Army Masiye started 4 years ago with life skills education camps for children orphaned by AIDS. These camps are facilitated by youth, mostly tertiary students or unemployed youth. The aim of these camps is to provide psychosocial support for traumatized children. The program is based on building relationships between camp counselors (youth) and the children. Adventure based outdoor activities are the basis for trauma, grief and bereavement therapy. Due to the involvement of youth in facilitating psychosocial support, they are directly confronted with the reality of AIDS in the lives of grieving orphans. Youth involved as camp counselors testify that by providing psychosocial care to orphans "AIDS got a face to touch...". Presently there is a pool of 200 youth trained as camp counselors working with over 1400 children affected by AIDS each year. LESSONS LEARNED: The involvement of youth as camp counselors in life skills camps for children affected by AIDS is not only an important aspect in providing psychosocial support to these children. It is as well an effective youth HIV/AIDS prevention program, bridging the gap between knowledge of HIV/AIDS issues and positive behaviour through practical life skills education. RECOMMENDATIONS: This program based research, involving 200 youth camp counselors demonstrates that youth HIV/AIDS prevention programs should involve youth in the planning process and needs to include practical components of life skills education through facilitation of psychosocial support for children affected by AIDS.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adolescent
- Adolescent Health Services
- Behavior
- Child
- Child Welfare
- Counseling
- Foster Home Care
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Planning
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Humans
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102253385
From Meeting Abstracts