Dugmore on reaching targets for peer education in Western Cape schools
11 September 2006
As part of Premier Rasool's Siyabulela (âGiving Thanksâ) deliverables the
provincial Department of Health in conjunction with the provincial Department
of Education, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will celebrate the
success of its Peer Education Programme to reach the target set by the Premier
to train 4 876 in 136 schools before the end of September 2006.
Peer education is an innovative programme that develops the capacities of
high school learners to positively influence their peers, provide classroom
teaching on sexuality and counselling and to refer their peers for support and
initiate school-community based HIV and AIDS projects. This is done in a
holistic framework that acknowledges that HIV/AIDS is strongly linked to the
cycle of poverty and other 'illnesses' in society.
Based on collaborative rather than competitive principles, the programme's
positive and future-oriented approach emphasises the unique potential of every
individual to grow up healthy in a world filled with opportunity.
"Peer educators succeed in reaching large numbers of youth effectively
through workshops addressing topics such as HIV prevention, healthy
relationships and living positively as a teenager," Pierre Uys said. "The fight
against HIV and AIDS is a tough battle in which we take the lead to mobilise
all sectors of community. This is a fine example of the success that can be
achieved when government and the youth take hands," Uys said.
In celebrating the success of the programme, Premier Rasool will acknowledge
180 peer educators, also as part of Youth Month, to highlight the Departments
of Health and Education's successful achievement of their targets with regard
to the Siyabulela deliverable on peer education in schools.
The event was held in Mbekweni near Paarl and apart from the Peer Educators
was also attended by the Premier, Ministers Uys and Dugmore, officials from the
Departments of Health and Education, local government officials and
representatives of non-governmental organisations.
Enquiries:
Shado Twala
Office of the Premier
Cell: 083 640 6771
Herman vd Westhuizen
Ministry of Health
Cell: 082 772 9161
Gert Witbooi
Ministry of Education
Cell: 082 550 3938
Issued by: Department of Health, Western Cape Provincial Government
11 September 2006
