Iwokrama HIV/AIDS Healthy Lifestyles Project Progressing Successfully
The Iwokrama Healthy Lifestyles Project has recently completed its Second HIV/AIDS Peer Education Workshop for 10 Community Health Workers, 13 Makushi Researchers, 6 North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) Executives, and Youth Leadership Programme at Bina Hill Institue, Annai, Region 9 from May 15 - 18, 2006. The training focused on further development of peer educator skills and knowledge about HIV/AIDS, development of public speaking skills, development of strategies to implement HIV related outreach activities in the communities, and development of posters and radio programmes. Upon completion, participants were provided with a package comprising posters from the Guyana Red Cross and Ministry of Health, brochures, a note book, one pen and pencil, condoms (males and female), a cassette on a STI and HIV/AIDS documentary, peer education monitoring forms, makers, and cardboard.
Feedback from participants indicated that the workshop was hugely successful and participants enjoyed the interactive, dynamic and informative teaching styles used by the Trainers.
Since its inception, the project has cited several achievements such as skits created and performed by youth groups during Amerindian Heritage Month in September 2005 and members from 15 communities of the North Rupununi attending a 1.5 day workshop in skills training including public speaking.
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Participants developing Posters during the Second Peer Education Workshop held in May 2006 at the Bina Hill Institute, Annai. |
The Project held its first HIV/AIDS Peer Education Workshop for 16 Community Health Workers, 8 youth leaders, 5 North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) Executive members, 1 Community Development Officer from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, and 12 Makushi Researchers, at Bina Hill, Annai, Region 9 from January 11 – 15, 2006. Participants were exposed to topics on Self awareness and personal risk assessment, Behaviour change, the basics of HIV and AIDS, the meaning of and differences between HIV and AIDS, the physiology of HIV, the human body and HIV, the window period, Stigma and Discrimination and Planning and facilitating sessions using the Healthy Lifestyles Smart Pack, a manual that was developed specifically for Peer Educators in the North Rupununi. Participants also developed banners as a way to promote and create awareness of HIV and AIDS within their communities.
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Participants practicing their skits during the Second Peer Education Workshop held in May 2006 at the Bina Hill Institute, Annai. |
The Project also focuses on training of 16 Community Health Workers and Makushi Researchers in Counselling, production of radio programmes on Radio Paiwomak, the first hinterland community-managed radio station; and production and distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials such as posters in both English and Makushi. These activities are slated for period from October 2006 to July 2007.
During an earlier workshop, the development of IEC materials was presented to community members at all levels. The idea and creation of posters and radio programming was received in a positive manner, however, community members stated that brochures are not effective as they are often thrown away and therefore indicated that posters are a more effective manner of getting a message across.
The Iwokrama International Centre received the two-year grant which is funded by World Bank and the Government of Guyana, under the Guyana HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Project (GAPCP), to promote "Healthy Lifestyles" on July 21st, 2005. The Healthy Lifestyles Project is a HIV/AIDS Awareness project targeting youths, men and women in the 15 North Rupununi Communities.
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A group of participants performing a practicing their skits during the Second Peer Education Workshop held in May 2006 at the Bina Hill Institute, Annai. |
This project will raise awareness among the beneficiaries through the training of fifty peer educators; community and workplace sensitization workshops; community outreach; radio programmes on Radio Paiwomak, the first hinterland community-managed radio station; and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials such as posters and booklets in both English and Makushi.
The persons responsible for implementing the Healthy Lifestyles Project are Melina Kalamandeen, Iwokrama Training Coordinator and Samantha James, Iwokrama Community Development Coordinator.
Iwokrama is working closely with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Ministry of Health, and the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), a locally formed Amerindian community-based organisation, to implement this project.
Iwokrama is also working with the Makushi Research Unit, Community Health Workers, Youth Interns and other interested community members.
Iwokrama recognises that conservation and healthy lifestyles are directed related to responsible behaviour. Iwokrama’s major comparative advantage has been its capacity to develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the local communities, particularly through NRDDB.
