AIDS awareness workshop organised for high-school students

Claudia Gardner, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:The Hanover Parish AIDS Association (HPAA) conducted an in-school youth workshop at the Lucea United Church Hall for more than 20 high-school students of the Rusea's and Rhodes Hall high schools last week.

Among the topics covered were basic facts on HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), peer pressure and abstinence. The programme was facilitated by members of the Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) Unit of the Hanover Health Department and the Trelawny Parish AIDS Association and sponsored by the National AIDS Committee and the Tryall Hotel.

"The purpose of the workshop was to talk about the ways in which we can go about preventing the spread of HIV and other STIs, and to make students aware of the things that can happen in the event young persons engage in early sexual activity," Sandina Williams, president of the HPAA, told Western Focus.

"We plan to stage other workshops within the physical space of other schools as well as launch a vulnerable youths programme within the parish," Williams added.

The HPAA has a total of approximately 20 active members. Meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month at the Lucea Fire Station.