Corps Peer Educators Empowered in Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Training Series

Corps Peer Educator Trainers (C-PETS) Empowered in Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Training Series

In an effort to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and promote awareness among young individuals, the Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) recently organized a comprehensive HIV/AIDS training series for Corps members. The program, known as the Corps Peer Educators HIV/AIDS Training Series (C-PETS), aimed to equip Corps members with the necessary knowledge and skills to become effective peer educators. Led by the Executive Director, Mrs. Folashade Bamigboye, the training session took place on August 17th, 2023.

K&TRC Executive Director, Mrs. Folashade Bamigboye handling a session with C-PETS
K&TRC Executive Director, Mrs. Folashade Bamigboye handling a session with C-PETS

During the training, Corps members were provided with a thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts of HIV/AIDS. This encompassed an in-depth exploration of the signs and symptoms associated with the virus. This will enable the participants to recognize potential indicators in individuals who may be affected. The training aimed to enhance their ability to identify and support those impacted by HIV/AIDS within their respective communities.

A key focus of the training series was to emphasize the importance of HIV/AIDS prevention strategies. Corps members were educated on various risk reduction techniques. This includes practicing safe sex, promoting abstinence, and the correct and consistent use of condoms.  The training empowers peer educators to make informed decisions; taking responsible actions that actively prevents the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The training series stressed the importance of regular HIV testing and counseling as integral components of prevention and early detection. Corps members were educated on the benefits of seeking testing services and receiving counseling. This helps to ensure timely intervention and support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Encouraging them to promote regular testing and counseling within their communities, fosters a proactive approach towards combating the virus.

Demonstration on HIV Counselling and Testing
Demonstration on HIV Counselling and Testing

Recognizing the significance of effective communication and advocacy skills in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, the training series placed a strong emphasis on these areas. Peer educators were equipped with strategies to engage in constructive conversation. This was done so they can intentionally deliver accurate information to their peers, dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding the virus. By actively promoting positive attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS and fostering a supportive environment, peer educators were empowered to create a lasting impact within their communities.

The Corps Peer Educators HIV/AIDS Training Series (C-PETS) organized by the Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) successfully equipped Corps members with the necessary knowledge and skills to become effective peer educators. By providing a comprehensive understanding of HIV/AIDS, emphasizing prevention strategies, stressing the importance of testing and counseling, and promoting effective communication and advocacy skills, the training aimed to create a generation of informed individuals dedicated to combating the spread of HIV/AIDS. This will contribute towards building a world free from the stigma and impact of HIV/AIDS.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

*

Share:

More Posts

Game On for Girls’ Health! Novelty Match Boosts HPV Awareness in Ondo State

Raising HPV Awareness Through Sports On World Cancer Day, Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) partnered with Girl Effect Nigeria to spread a crucial message: HPV vaccination can help prevent cervical cancer! To engage young people, we organized a novelty football match between Muslim High School Ore and Ore Community High School in Ondo State.   Pre-Match HPV Awareness   Before the match, K&TRC CEO Martin-Mary Falana met with Muslim High School’s Principal, Mr. Malam Yusuf. He emphasized the importance of the HPV vaccine for young girls and praised the Ondo State Government for making it available at health centres. He also expressed K&TRC’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with the school. Educating Players on HPV Prevention After the National Anthem, Mr. Falana gathered the players and used the moment t   o explain why HPV vaccination is vital. He described cervical cancer as a serious health threat affecting the cervix, a crucial part of a woman’s reproductive system. Shockingly, when he ask   ed if any players had been vaccinated, none had. This made his message even more urgent. He encouraged them to get vaccinated and spread the word to their families and friends. The Match and Its Impact With that,

Empowering Communities: HPV Education and Vaccination flag off event in Ondo State

Launching HPV Education and Vaccination on International Women’s Day To mark International Women’s Day (IWD), Girl Effect, in collaboration with Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC), launched an HPV education and vaccination campaign in Akure South and Odigbo Local Government Areas of Ondo State. This initiative aims to educate parents and ensure eligible girls receive the HPV vaccine, a crucial step in preventing cervical cancer.   Empowering Champions for HPV Awareness As part of this initiative, 40 selected women from Akure South and Odigbo LGAs were trained to become HPV education and vaccination Champions. These Champions, equipped with the Champions’ App, play a key role in spreading accurate health information. The campaign will train a total of 60 Champions, including 40 community-based health workers and 20 school counsellors. The first engagement, led by Obaromi Hellen Olubumi, took place in Isolo Community, Akure, leading to the successful vaccination of all eligible girls in the area. Key Stakeholders Advocate for HPV Education and Vaccination The flag off event featured key stakeholders, including Dr. Adefesoye Victor, Director of Disease Control and Immunization at OSPHCDA. He emphasized that girls aged 9-14 should take advantage of this free HPV vaccine to protect against cervical cancer.

Teachers Armed with Knowledge: Increasing HPV Vaccine Uptake in Schools

Imagine a future where young girls confidently walk into health facilities to receive the HPV vaccine, fully aware of its importance—protected, empowered, and in control of their health choices. This vision is at the heart of a groundbreaking initiative by Girl Effect, in partnership with Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC). To turn this vision into reality, we conducted a two-day training for teachers in Odigbo and Akure South Local Government Areas. The focus? Equipping educators with accurate information about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and training them to use the Champions App—an innovative tool designed by Girl Effect to increase HPV vaccine uptake among girls aged 9-14. Training Teachers to Drive HPV Vaccine Awareness The training wasn’t just a lecture; it was an immersive experience. Teachers gained in-depth knowledge about HPV, how it leads to cervical cancer, and the role of the vaccine in prevention. They also learned how to navigate the Champions App, which simplifies and personalizes HPV education for young girls. Experts Weigh In: The Role of Schools in HPV Vaccine Uptake Mrs. Olayemi Fakeyin, Deputy Director of Guidance and Counseling at the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, emphasized the importance of securing the future of

How AI is Shaping Education: Highlights from K&TRC’s International Day of Education

Education is evolving, and with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the conversation around its impact has never been more relevant. To mark the International Day of Education 2025, Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) engaged students in a session on the theme: Artificial Intelligence and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation. Exploring the Role of Education The event kicked off with an interactive discussion on the essence of education. Our Program Assistant Manager, broke down UNESCO’s Four Pillars of Education: Learning to Know – Acquiring knowledge and understanding the world. Learning to Be – Personal growth and independent thinking. Learning to Live Together – Developing interpersonal skills and embracing diversity. Learning to Do – Gaining problem-solving and work-related skills. These pillars set the foundation for a conversation about how AI is reshaping learning experiences. AI: Friend or Foe in the Classroom?   Students were introduced to the concept of Artificial Intelligence and how it integrates into everyday life—voice assistants, automated machines, and even AI-powered learning tools. Hannah, our AYP Hub Coordinator, emphasized the importance of using Artificial Intelligence wisely, ensuring it complements human intelligence rather than replaces it. A video presentation showcased AI in action—robots performing