(From left to right): Workshop facilitator, Rose Aubertin and Acting Coordinator of the National AIDS Programmme, Mrs. Noelene Levons-Clarke are pictured here with the participants of the Youth Peer Education Workshop. The workshop was held from March 12 to 14. Photo Credit: Ministry of Health and Social Development.

The workshop was held on March 12 to 14, 2011 in collaboration with the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the UK Government Department for International Development and their Caribbean partners, Associates for International Development and Options.

Among other objectives, the Youth Peer Education Workshop was designed to identify and train youth ages 16 to 25 to serve as resource persons among their respective peer groups; to prepare peer educators to reach their peers with information and skills that will enable them to evaluate the choices that they make; to provide information on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS and risky sexual behaviours; to heighten awareness about safe sexual practices and to promote healthy, responsible sexual lifestyles and personal decision-making.

The Youth Peer Education training was facilitated by Health Education Consultant, Rose Aubertin, a retired Nurse, Midwife and Health Educator. Mrs. Aubertin is the former Director of the Bureau of Health Education in the Ministry of Health, St. Lucia.

After the three-day training, an evaluation was conducted to assess the skills and information acquired by the participants

Acting Coordinator of the National AIDS Programme, Noelene Levons-Clarke stated, “We worked with 14 motivated and purpose-driven young persons from Tortola, Anegada and Virgin Gorda who participated in the training. It was very encouraging to see the diverse range of attitudes, perspectives and lifestyles assemble and complement each other in one setting.”

Mrs. Clarke said, “This means that those members of the group who are not sexually active can by example, inspire their peers to postpone any sexual activity until marriage, or until they have achieved financial independence, or have completed tertiary level education.”

Deputy Director of Youth Affairs, Persia Tobin affirmed that it is the intent for Youth Peer Educators to assist the National AIDS Programme and the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports in the implementation of outreach activities in churches, communities and amongst their peer groups.

Mrs. Tobin shared that the young people have already been granted the opportunity to participate in television interviews, prepare Public Service Announcements and present educational dramas to the community on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development endeavours to provide leadership that promotes health, social well-being and a safe environment.