Siyafundisa ­ funded by PEPFAR and run in partnership with FreshMinistries ­ is currently on track to reach several hundred thousand young people between the ages of 10 and 24 through two distinct training programmes (Peer Education and Life Skills) by 2010.

Its overriding message is abstinence until marriage, faithfulness within marriage and monogamous partnerships. Eighteen diocesan field workers, trained and mentored by a national training manager and two programme officers, coordinate and assist with the training of peer educators and supervisors and life skills facilitators in selected parishes of each South African diocese.

With more than two years to go, the positive impact of the project is already reflected in the participants¹ feedback:

• Young people involved in the programmes say they have gained an extraordinary amount of confidence in themselves, and are beginning to treat their fellow youth ³in a more equal and dignified way².
• Horizons and outlooks are expanding; young people are engaging adults on all kinds of issues that affect their lives
• not just HIV and Aids.
• Attitudes toward problems are changing: the teens realise that they can be resources to each other and the community.
• Youth are working on their peers (and adults) to increase understanding about living with people who are HIV positive.
• As a result of peer-led VCT mobilisation, more community members know their HIV status.
• Integrity associated with keeping confidences is spreading and building self-esteem.
• Knowledge of what contributes to an unhealthy lifestyle is contributing directly to healthier lifestyle choices.
• Compassion is growing.

Special note At the time of writing, the Aids Office had just heard that the Siyafundisa video was one of five winning videos, out of hundreds of entries, to be premiered during the White House National FBCI Conference in Washington, D.C., on 26 and 27 June 2008 and thereafter featured on the conference website. (See www.fbci.gov and follow the June conference link.) Over 1000 people attended and learnt about Siyafundisa!

  
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