http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/629485
The doors of opportunities have been wide for us; different state sites are gaining the recognition of big actors in the area of youth reproductive health and HIVAIDS. Many more organizations have seen that it is possible to work in rural areas and make impact; Close the Gap Nigeria Project model is being adopted by many of them.
I must tell you, young people in this project have proved themselves worthy of trust, commitment, leadership, innovation and creativity.

I want to state very emphatically that this is the first of its kind in Nigeria, there has not been any Close the Gap Nigeria project ever. For the respect of GYCA Nigeria team that met on the 22nd of May 2008 to draft this idea and the zealous state coordinators who have worked relentlessly, I want to appeal that every organization or individual wanting to adopt this model acknowledges the work of this group. It will be unfair if this team is not appreciated.

Close the Gap Nigeria is being implemented in 12 states in Nigeria (a community each) and has touched the life of 210young people as at the last count in February. We have enjoyed adult partnerships in this project and the different clubs will be handed over to partner organization at the end of the project for sustainability. Young people are working!
]]> Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:41:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/629485 6.1833333 6.756.18333336.75 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/625075
Youth Leadership Project had its challenges and achievements in the implementation of its programmes.

Project Challenges:

Youth Leaders had to be announced January 2009 due to the South African schools and universities examination period. The application due dates were extended three times.

The implementation of the project started late January and the group activities are to be done simultaneously in April.

Mini conference group sharing with invited communities: groups will share their own group’s challenges and achievements in the duration of the projects. They will share their group discussions and their community educational campaigns or events. This will have to be done a week before the end of the project.

Youth Leadership Project Tool Kit is still in progress. Due to the nature of the implementation of the project, unfortunately it will not be available before the project ends. We want to include the mini conference to the kit.

Achievements:
Four groups are established and a total number of 47 youth joined the project

Groups are preparing their group activities or campaigns in educating their communities on HIV/AIDS

The Project Manager attended financial management training and he is willing to workshop the leaders and some of the group members on the 11 of April.

Ludwe Mali has been identified as a facilitator of the coming international workshop. Ikhwezi Lokusa Wellness Centre, the organization supporting the youth leadership project have been identified in a working relationship with the PDoH in working towards the HIV/AIDS Housing Policy for infected and affected people living in the Eastern Cape. More information on this in the coming blog

I am so excited in reporting in the next blog on how we are finalizing our project. Thank you for reading.
]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:38:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/625075 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/608035
Currently, In Nepal 16-18 hours a day load shedding problem is going on... and it's a very challangeful situation for us to work in "New Nepal" of maiost government.

I am going to represnt from young civil socity delegation from Nepal as a speaker in "Undoing a decade of neglect. International drug policy and access to essential medical and harm reduction services" session on the occassion of the fifty-second Comission on Narcotic Drugs and its high-level segment, in vienna, March 2009. so, i am out of office.

Its time for us to advocate on "Children and Youth are the Casualties in the War Against Drugs".


c ya soon....

sujan




]]> Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:02:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/608035 27.7166667 85.316666727.716666785.3166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/593119
As we have mentioned in the last report, the Sexual and Heath workshop has been done. Some of the groups have been created and some have already been involve in some outreach activities. Summary report is as follows:

Ikhwezi group called Driven Force (DF) met in the 31 of January to discuss and was involved in the following activities:
1. Project Management conducted a group needs assessment that indicated the following
o Total Number attended the first meeting were 9 in total
o Gender: males = 4 and females = 5
o Ages are from 15 – 24
o Draft Plan for community activity
- Theme: Educating the community on HIV/AIDS
- Area: Mdantsane N.U 13
- Target age is from 13 and upwards
- Will visit Clinics and hospices in their community to educate and participate in cleaning their patients waiting area
- Activity Goal: To empower youth and community members on HIV and AIDS education. To take time to care for infected and affected by HIV/AIDS by cleaning their hospices and the waiting areas in the clinic.
- Vision: to contribute to Love life message of “HIV free Generation.
- Objectives: to motivate youth to think about testing. Four of our members volunteer to assist in admin and cleaning duties in the hospice home. Sending 100 invitations to household near the clinic to attend the event hosted to the clinic
2. Driven Force was invited and performed a Forum Theatre of Oppressed at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in the 02 of February 2009. The university had a First Year Student’s Orientation Event. They were asked to perform a drama piece on challenges faced by the first year students. The performance was well received and they are now invited to perform another drama piece on the 16 of February in the same university. They are invited by the HIV and AIDS unit. Their theme is titled “Just two of us” under the STI and Condom week.

The second meeting was yesterday dated 14 February 2009. The outcome of the meeting is as follows:
1. They were busy preparing for their performance of the 16 of February. They created their drama piece on the meaning of condom use in preventing STI’s, HIV and unplanned pregnancy in youth life style. The event will be at WSU
2. The project management assisted the group members and their leader in their preparation for today’s presentation (16 February 2009) on Condom use and demonstration. This presentation will be done at Mdantsane. They are invited by one of South African political party.
3. Their March Community event current results:
o The clinic has accepted their call to host their event in the premises of the clinic.

Duncan Village Sophakama group met yesterday for the second time but it was the first meeting with the management of the project. The program went as follows:
1. The group members were given an opportunity to ask question to the project management about the project and their group.
2. The group changed they name from being Sophakama to Reflection of Perfection (ROP)
3. Project Management conducted a group needs assessment that indicated the following
o Total Number attended the first meeting were 12 in total
o Gender: males = 7 and females = 5
o Ages are from 15 – 24
o Draft Plan for community activity
- Theme: Youth and way forward
- Area: Duncan Village Ford Area
- Target age is from 13 and upwards (female and males)
- Activity Goal: To change youth behaviors and attitudes towards HIV and AIDS, Alcohol, abuse and sexual experience
- Vision: To provide awareness to selected participants.
- Objectives: To use edutainment to education. Volunteered participants to participate about how the community can participate in the goal of the group.

Project management and group members are meeting on the 21 of February to share about their challenges and achievements, leaders report to the project about the future plans.

Khulani and WSU group are to meet in the coming week due to space and time.

The HIV/AIDS and entrepreneurship workshop is moved to the first week of March due to the Ikhwezi Team Building Session on the 27 Feb – 1 March and the project workshop was supposed to be on the 28 of February and the first weekend of March.

Thank you for taking the time to read the the blog!!!!

Thank you and cheers.

]]> Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:52:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/593119 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/592591 - Our country has a lot of limitation around those people and doesn't want to show up those people as a result of the society stigma towards those people.
- We are not a registered NGO, you are a network and actually not have great support from UNFPA or other agencies that should help us as initiative.

But we did the first workshop of GYCA of PLHIV at Alexandria, we called 15 PLHIV and 13 persons had attended, plus five organizers and 4 speakers.

It was Thursday, Friday and Saturday (1-3 January 2009). The experience was the
first for a young group of people to gather and interact with PLHIV, with the
help of some ex. UNDP researchers as speakers and consultants for us as a group of young activists.

Before that period we cooperate with the National AIDS program at Egypt and developed a brochure specific for this sessions and also in Arabic, we made 500 copies of that materials.

Now
1- The first workshop had been done, our target was 10 PLHIV and we got 13 persons,
2- Our aim was is to promote their actions in their community, We tried to do that and will involve them into a particular activities later on, But we got a lot of their problems they are facing every day ( Rights to “Work, educated, have appropriate health care services….).
3-We developed the 500 brochure and distributed some of them and we have a lot for the next workshop, also we share some of them with NAP.
4-Friends of life association is still under construction but we have members of it and will be involved more at the next workshop.

So this project
-Will give great motivation for both PLHIV and young activists.
-Will be a sort of support for PLHIV that will be great step for involving them more at the society.

]]> Sat, 14 Feb 2009 01:27:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/592591 29.9666667 31.2529.966666731.25 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/581723 This included members of the community who are key stake holders and are part of decision making organs in the community.

These range from the community chiefs, assistant chief representative elders, a representative from the police administration, youth leaders, women representative.

The outreach highlighted on the role of members of the community in fighting stigma related to HIV/AIDS. Some of the key topics that we concentrated on were:
• Basic facts HIV/AIDS
• Stigma related to HIV/AIDS
• Role of community in addressing issues above
• Kenya Youth Shadow report 2008

The TASC team partnered with members of the APHIA II programme that focuses on HIV/AIDS community training through their volunteers. Through this the members did 3 sets of drama that brought out the key issues in a community context.

The community elders, from both male and female organs of the community recommended the TASC team of their efforts and request that such forum should be held month to be able to reach all members of the community. This was especially in Kibera Community where there is a high rate of new infections among young people and married couples this is due to the challenges that especially young people go through because of unemployment an lack of basic needs.

The members of the community seem to be aware of facts on HIV/AIDS but there seem to be a lot of confusion with myths that go around the community especially since there are different cultures found in the areas and they all value their culture.

The rise of vernacular radio station in Kenya has also contributed a lot to this as some station do not seek to clarify their information before they send it out to the community members listening to the radio station.
]]> Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:28:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/581723 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/580197 (Sorry for late postings)

The TASC members organized a community outreach forum on 15 December 2009 where they involved youth leaders who went through mapping how far they have reached with their youth activities that focus on HIV/AIDS. This included mapping on the government’s activities focusing on the youth that is geared through the fights against HIV/AIDS

The outreach highlighted on their role in fighting stigma related to HIV/AIDS. Some of the key topics that we concentrated on were:
• Basic facts HIV/AIDS
• Stigma related to HIV/AIDS
• Kenya Youth Shadow report 2008

The youth members are well aware of facts on HIV/AIDS but they need to tap into the resources that NGO’s and the government have put into place for the young people.
The finally come up with action plan that will lead them in 2009 to focus on meeting leaders and governments officers who work in youth related programme that focus on HIV/AIDS. This will ensure that hey effectively participate in the activities.
]]> Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:31:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/580197 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/574363
The students were much exited having come from holidays with alot of energy to learn more. The session was filled with students from 4different secondary school who were attentive and asked many questions that the team had to go back to the books. This also made us realize how sensitive school children are in relation to the fight against HIV/AIDS

The TASC members facilitated the 2 days process that highlighted on the topics below:

Day 1- 19 January 2009
This sessions started late due to logistic and last minute reschedule of training dates. There was about 60 school student participant who were active participants and they gave different examples of their understanding of the topics discussed which were;
1. Basic facts on HIV/AIDS Definition, modes of transmission,
2. Prevention and treatment, immune system, stages of HIV illness, signs and symptoms

Day 2 – 20 January 2009
This day had a lot of excitement as it also coincided with the Inauguration of President Elect Barrack Obama as the president of USA with t as students kept on bringing the aspect of the role of politicians in curbing stigma and also they showed alot of interest in differentiating the types of stigma.
The session focused on:
1. Stigma definition and forms of stigma
2. Manifestation of Stigma,
3. Interventions to combating stigma
4. Group work,
5. Evaluations

The student participation ranged from them opening up on life experiences related and there was a demand for outreach on reproductive health and how to prepare them for the outside world as they will be meeting with different things that face them.

This 2 day training also made them to be more responsible and sensitive towards HIV/AIDS issues. The students gave the team to go back to their schools to help them run Health clubs and this task is to be realized once the teachers strike is called off.
]]> Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:47:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/574363 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/572079
I am happy to report on the following activities that we engaged ourselves to contribute to the outcomes of the project aims.

1. Selection of the Duncan Village and Driven Force leader interview has happened.
• Four members from Driven Force (Ikhwezi’s drama group) where interviewed for the selection position, members voted for their candidate.
• Three members from Sophakama (Duncan Village) where interviewed on the same day as the Driven Force.
The results where obtained and counted by calculating the interviews and votes points of the candidates interviewed

2. The Announcements of the 4 Leaders of the Leadership Village

Date: 10 January 2008

Khulani Leadership Village Leader from Mdantsane

• Mbanga Khokhela

Walter Sisulu Leadership Village Leader from WSU/Walter Sisulu University

• Luphumlo Dyeyi

Driven Force Leadership Village Leader from Ikhwezi

• Ludwe Mali

Sophakama Leadership Village Leader from Duncan Village

• Nomachana Gugwana

3. The Facilitation and Sexual Heath workshop

The first workshop was done on the 17 of January 2009 and the following are the sessions of the day. The workshop will continue on the 24 January 2009.

First day: Facilitation workshop.
Facilitator: Mawethu Zita,
Venue: Ikhwezi Lokusa Wellness Centre
Time: 09H00 – 16H30

1st Session: Gaining trust, respect and team building:

• Name calling: Learn one another’s names at the same time teach participants to memorize.
• Pass the energy (Zip/Zap)
• Transformations(pass the face/ emotion)

Break

2nd Session: HIV/AIDS collection data
• Conduct a HIV/AIDS assessment. The data will help and indicate the knowledge of participation on HIV and AIDS. This data will be used in preparation of HIV and AIDS workshop in March 2009.

3rd Session: Facilitation and leadership skills
• Facilitation (Usability Techniques Series)
• What is facilitation
• A purpose and an agenda (i.e Conducting meeting)
• Look after physical needs
• Pay attention
• Lead by example and relaxation during facilitation

Break

• Leadership topics:
• What a leaders are you (self activity/fun game)
• What is a collective Leader
• The ability to get your attention
• Ability to share group vision
• The management of trust
• The management of self
• Activity and discussions

• Reflection of Day 1
• Announcements and Day 1 Evaluation forms

Activities that will follow before the end of the month
1. Continuation of Facilitation and Sexual Health workshop.
Date: 24 January 2008
Facilitators: Mawethu Zita
Motivational Speakers: Mbulelo Dyasi and Chumisa Dyasi
Venue: WSU Chiselhurst (Former Eastern Cape Technikon Campus)
Time: 09H00 – 15H30

1st Session: Warm up Activities

2nd Session: Sexual Health
• What is sexual heath?
• Sexual Development (Men and Women)
• Sexual behavior and preventions
• Sexual Orientation
• Menopause and Masturbation
• Myths surrounding sexuality
• Body images and self worth
• Questions and group discussions.

3rd Session: Leaders Starter Park and Final Day Evaluation Form

2. Planning meeting between project management team and the Leadership Village (LV) leader.
A template plan for the group members will be created and leaders will lead their group plan, and submit the plan to the project management team.
3. First meeting of the LV groups:
It will introduce the project management, the leader and the members to each other. This day will be used to collect date on the group members. This will be used to check the needs of the groups that will lead and contribute in delivering the project goals and objectives.

Thank you for reading

Cheers

Mawethu Zita]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:06:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/572079 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/629487
Oranizations based in these communities have been very supportive and our state cordinators are very much active and committed to the project.For instance,the Akwa Ibom(one of the Niger Delta State)State Cordinator,Uyime Abasi Ben,was able to work out a strategic partnership with the state ministry of health which is key to resource mobilization and will give more visibility.In Delta State,the cordinator has been able to mobilize key community leaders in his area and have also created a blog to showcase his activities-www.gycadelta.blogspot.com

It may also interest you to know that Leap Afica(www.leapafrica.org),one of Afrca's leading youth empowerment organization,has voluntarily committed to support the project.

So far so good,we are closing the gap.Progress is being made.However,we still need more support form GYCA members in project locations accross selected states.
]]> Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:46:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/629487 6.1833333 6.756.18333336.75 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/569591
HAPPY 2009 to all…!

A few activities will done till December 2008, and it would be a great experience for me and the task force team of this advocacy campaign. Many infected and affected PLHAs know about the GYCA services and it s opportunities. They are also interested to work with GYCA in future days.

About advocacy campaign we still advocate in national level to approach access to care, treatment for PLHAs in various seminar, meetings, workshops etc and small grant activities as well. From Ministry of Health Population (MoHP) and National Center for AIDS STD Control (NCASC) level by 2011, ensure universal access to quality treatment, diagnostics, and care and support services for infected, affected and vulnerable groups in Nepal within a context of a comprehensive response to HIV/AIDS; and 80% of eligible people living with AIDS to be receiving antiretroviral combination therapy.

We just complete a fact HIV/AIDS IEC design and soon we will print it out and distribute in a local AIDS Service Organisations (ASO), NGOs/CBOs, INGOs and government agencies so, that they also know the GYCA work globally.

Cheers,
Sujan
]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:47:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/569591 27.7166667 85.316666727.716666785.3166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/553945
SN ART Centres
1 Teku Hospital, Teku
2 Bheri Zonal Hospital,Nepalgunj
3 Sparsha Nepal, Sanepa
4 TUTH, Maharajgunj
5 BPKIHS, Dharan
6 Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara
7 Narayani Sub-Regional Hospital, Birgunj
8 Mahakali Zonal Hospital, Mahendranagar
9 Seti Zonal Hospital, Dhangadhi
10 Doti District Hospital, Silgari
11 Lumbini Zonal Hospital, Butwal
12 Achham District Hospital, Mangalsen
13 Baglung District Hospital, Baglung
14 Koshi Zonal Hospital, Biratnagar
15 Bharatpur Hospital, Chitwan
16 Mechi Zonal Hospital, Jhapa
17 Kanti Children Hospital, Maharajgunj
18 Janakpur Hospital, Janakpur
19 Palpa Mission Hospital, Palpa
20 Mid Western Regional Hospital, Surkhet
21 Dang Hospital, Dang
22 Sagarnatha Zonal Hospital, Rajbiraj
23 Maiti Nepal, Kathmandu

Access to 2nd line ARV treatment is not easily accessible in Nepal, however with the support of GYCA small grant we are able to formed 5 retro positive task force team to advocate for scale up 1st line and access to 2nd line ART in Nepal. For this advocacy campaign we task force team believe that meaningful involvement of YPLHAs can achieve its objectives. Thus, we organized two PLHAs forum and one stakeholders meeting in AIDS Alliance Nepal (AAN) meeting hall with the main objective to educate PLHAs about HIIV/AIDS treatment services and greater involvement of PLHAs in policy/decision making process. The outcomes from the PLHAs forum are:

• 20 PLHAs gains and learns update information on
HIV/AIDS treatment services and lack of treatment
services in Nepal.
• 10-15 PLHAs share their stories, challenges and gaps on
HIV/AIDS treatment services.
• PLHAs are interest to advocate for access to care,
treatment services in Nepal.
• Current stakeholders is also agree to support for this
access to care, treatment advocacy campaign.

We task force team is developing a fact HIV/AIDS treatment cartoon IEC materials with the slogan of “taking ART SO WHAT still living with HIV/AIDS”. Hope we’ll post the IEC pictures in next blog.

If you want to know any update further information about this campaign, please email me sujjaann@gmail.com


Cheers,
sujan



]]> Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:32:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/553945 27.7166667 85.316666727.716666785.3166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/553639
The Gambia is a youth dominated society with about 69% percent of the population according to the 2003 Census below the age of 30. The HIV/AIDS prevalence is on the increase especially amongst young people and women though the prevalence rate stands below 3%.

COMMUNITY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS
This project will target new members of the National Youth Parliament of the Gambia whose will assume membership of the organization for the next three years. They will be enrolled formerly by October just three months before the coming to the end of the term of the current members in December 2008. For every term, the National Youth Parliament recruits 215 emerging young leaders from all the seven administrative regions of the country. Each regional youth parliament composed of 30 members. These are representatives of their respective community based organizations or district youth committees. They are therefore offered trainings on various issues that affect the life of the young people including HIV/AIDS and use to serve as models in their communities to serve as agents of change.
The project will address the issues of misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, Stigma and Discrimination. It will also enable young people to have access to the required information directly from their peers that is credible, factual and realistic.
The Culture of silence that promotes the spread of HIV/AIDS would also be address.

WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
Since the elapse of the HIV/AIDS Rapid Response Program in 2005, much is not happening in the area of HIV/AIDS in the Gambia around young people. The focus of the Global fund for HIV/AIDS is currently on structures of government rather than on advocacy and sensitizations. Therefore, the need for information amongst young people on HIV/AIDS is more pressing now than ever before.
The National Youth Association for Food Security is only operating one Voluntary counseling testing centre in Tanji, Kombo South District of Western Region. The New World for Youth is also operating a youth friendly counseling centre in Bundung, Serrekunda, in the kanifing Municipality. The National Youth Council has also established a reproductive health centre in Farafenni, Pakalinding and Bansang.
Yet the biggest gap is that many young people remains without access to those facilities and everyone needs the information. And the issue of funding for youth HIV/AIDS Initiatives is indeed a constrain.

ACTIVITIES:
Trainings: The project will offer trainings on HIV/AIDS to all the 210 new members of the National Youth Parliament to be recruited next month. A training will be held in each of the seven administrative region for the 30 members of that Regional Youth Parliament. Each training will last for two days and will be take place in the following localities; Banjul, Kanifing, Brikama, Mansa Konko, Kerewan, Bansang and Basse. Each of the trainings will take the workshop format of presentations, Group discussions, and preliminary presentation. In addition to HIV/AIDS, other issues such as Community Outreach Approach, Public Speaking, and Communication Skills, group facilitations will also be part of the training.

Intergenerational Dialogue: Five intergenerational dialogues will be stage by each of the regional Youth Parliament following the end of their training. The dialogue will focus on the issue of culture of silence “why to end the silence” and Voluntary Counseling and Testing. It will bring the youth parliamentarians and the local authorities within the region together at each location. Each will last for 4 Hours.

Senior Schools Outreach: Each Regional Youth Parliament will also visit 7 Senior and Junior Secondary School within their Region. For this activity, participants or the youth parliamentarians will each be divided in 5 groups to carry out this activity. Each team will be headed by a team leader who will be the main speaker. They will hold session with students in their schools.

1. Project objectives:
a. Provide new members of the National Youth Parliament with the required information on HIV/AIDS in order to continue the spread of correct and accurate information on HIV/AIDS to the peers they represent.
b. To enhance the process of behavior and attitudinal changes amongst young people.
c. To address the issues of misconceptions associated with HIV/AIDS as well as stigma and discrimination.
d. To break the culture of silence over issues of Sex and Sexuality amongst young people.
To sensitize young people on the significance of Voluntary Counseling and Testing in order to make a popular attitude in youths.]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:53:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/553639 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/553491
An innovative aspect of our approach is that we are working in partnership with community based organizations and they have been very supportive. Below is a list of the communities we would be working, the coordinator and partner organization.

- In Delta state, Mr. Emeka Okonta will be leading the team to Mile 5 fishing community between Anwai and Ugbolu in Oshimili south Local Government Area. The youth age group association “OKWULAGWE” will be working in partnership with GYCA.
- Mr. Emma Olaoti will be coordinating activities in kwara state. The project will take place in oke-oyi oja community of Ilorin East LGA and will be working in partnership with Royal Convenant Heritage.
- Miss Onoja Ruth is in charge of the project in Plateau state. She will be working in Gyel community with over a thousand youth of which 55% are not educated and are not concerned about the dangers of HIV/AIDS and STI's in Jos south LGA in partnership with Legion of Mary St. Jarlaths Catholic Church.
- Mr. Ebuenyi Ikenna will implement Close the Gap in Umuna community in Orlu LGA of Imo state in partnership with Matilda Onyejinwa Foundation, Orlu Local Action Committee on AIDS and NYSC.
- Mr. Kazeem Balogun is leading the team in Ekiti state and will be working in Ilawe-Ekiti and will partner with Life and Peace Development Organization (LAPDO)
- Mr. Unyime-Abasi Ben is coordinating the Akwa Ibom team.
- Mr. Yerima Daniel will oversee the project activities in Nassarawa state and will be working in Kurmi Tagwaye/Gaji in Akwanga LGA.
- Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke will be working in Anambra state in Nanka MbaukwuLugbe community.
- Mr. Olumide Idowu will be implementing the project in Abuja in gwagwalada community

Other states will be sending in their community mapping report at a later date. This project promises to be an exciting experience working in rural communities with young people who are ready to learn.
I on behalf of the project team will appeal to GYCA members and other young people working on HIV AIDS and other RH issues in these areas to assist our state coordinators in mobilizing all the resources they might need. We appreciate your kind gestures!

]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:48:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/553491 6.1833333 6.756.18333336.75 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/553279
Youth Leadership Project (YLP) has been involved in three activities:

1. World AIDS Day (WAD):
• Organizers: Ikhwezi Lokusa Wellness Centre, Project Manager of the Youth Leadership Project, and the Intern from Sweden
• Invited organization for presentation: Masimanyane Women support Centre, Path care, Life Health Centre, Family and Marriage Association of South Africa (FAMSA) and Commission on Gender Equality (CGE)
• Attendance: Ikhwezi Lokusa wellness Centre’s clients, applicants of the YLP and East London community. Total of 150 people attended.
• Theme: Together we shall overcome if we all take a lead, stop AIDS and keep the promise.
• Activity of the day:
- 3 testimonies from Ikhwezi’s clients motivated people who have never went for VCT to know their status and explained the disadvantage and advantages of knowing your status.
- FAMSA gave a presentation on abuse, relationship and 16 days of activism in collaboration of WAD.
- CGE presented the gender roles and responsibilities and how people can abuse gender equity for their benefits.
- Path Care came and explained different types of blood test and their advantages on knowing your health status, prolonging your life and donating blood, and their working partnership with Ikhwezi.
- HIV and AIDS education and myths were shared by Ikhwezi
- Introduction of the Youth leadership Project and other Ikhwezi’s Programmes to the community.

The Youth leadership applicants for Village Leadership positions were invited to come and be educated on HIV/AIDS and related issues to prepare themselves for their interviews. The main aim was to enhance their knowledge on the topics discussed by the invited organization, to interact with HIV positive people who are living the normal life and hear stories of those who are disclosing their HIV status.

2. Orphans Children’s Christmas Party 2008:
Ikhwezi and the Youth leadership Project had a Christmas Party for the disadvantaged, orphaned and vulnerable children on the 5th of December, started at 12:00. Activities were music for children to dance, jumping castle, games, food was offered, gift packs and educational talks about children’s rights, for 100 children and their parents or Care givers. They came from four organizations namely Enkazimlweni Ncedanani Life Centre for orphans, Hlumani HIV/AIDS Project, Masibambisane and Khulalni Community Centre.

The Youth Leadership Project: the Village Leadership applicants were facilitating the activities of the day, to get experience of leadership skills, facilitation and time management of the activities.

3. Leadership Village, Leaders positions of the Youth Leadership Project Interviews
Eight applicants were called for interviews to become Village leaders for Youth Leadership Project in their communities. Four out of eight applicants responded to the call.

The management of the project invited four interviews namely Viwe Maliti and Zama Mzimela from International Centre for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, Buhle Makhabane from Eastern Cape NGO Coalition, and Thobela Sambane from the Government Department of Education

Interview questions were set to cover the following:
- Introduction and the reason for applying to the project
- Contribution to the aim of the project
- Your own personal goal for the project and your community
- Addressing group risk and challenges
- Recruitment of participants or group members, especially those who are males
- Motivational support on how you should be chosen
- Desired trainings, and motivating your group members to do VCT testing

The scoring boards used by Interviewers were as follows:
- leadership presents
- Public speaking approach
- Personal Qualities
- Knowledge and experience
- Desired Skills
- Group delivering approach

We will shortlist new six to eight applicants early next year due to the fact that four applicants did not attend their interview. The four selected applicant’s announcement will be announced early January.

Current challenges:
- Only four applicants came to their interview
- Sexual Health and facilitation workshop is moved to January due to the interviews that will be conducted on January 2009
- Leadership Village leaders are announce on January

Hope you enjoyed our project report, hope you will wait for the next blog from YLP.

Till next time
Cheers
]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2008 07:00:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/553279 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/553027 Step by step.
During the whole previous month , it was really an exciting period , added great experience for the whole GYCA team working on that project,
When you face the challenge, the real challenge of making a workshop for PLHIV however,
- Your country has a lot of limitation around those people and doesn't want to show up those people as a result of the society stigma towards those people.
- You are not a registered NGO, you are a network and actually not have great support from UNFPA or other agencies that should help us as initiative.
- We are doing that for the first time at our country, even all over the NGOs at our country no one had done like that workshop except one NGO with support of FHI and two of UN agencies.
Under that whole situation and another challenges , we actually going on , Ya going on with great steps.
As regard to the first part we already finished the development of the Booklet that will be given during our two workshops for PLHIV in Arabic language targeting their rights at (life, work, health, education…) we now at the designing stage and soon we will print it, it is one way we going on,,

The other way is that we collect the contacts of our target (PLHIV) at Alex through interaction with UN agency and also a registered NGO and so the first workshop we will organize it at Alexandria during the next few days and will be after great event for PLHIV at Bib Alex (Alexandria Library) that will gather around 200 medical activists with UNAIDS and NAP and other stakeholders at that field at 18th Dec.2008, and after that meeting we will go through the first workshop.
It will be through out 3 days organized by GYCA team and lead by activists close to PLHIV at the first day, at the second day we will take part at that workshop.

We will go on and always keep up, and hope we can be over our expectations for the best of our mission as a group hoping to serve their country.


]]> Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:34:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/553027 29.9666667 31.2529.966666731.25 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/547049
Nearly four dozen people from all backgrounds came together in two teams on the football field to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS among children and adolescents.

The teams were named the 'HIV Warriors' and the 'ARV Superstars' and included political leaders, comedians, singers, sports personalities and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Decreasing stigma:

The crowd was thrilled to see their favourite stars competing alongside Nepalese people who are courageously living with HIV/AIDS. The hour-long match kicked off to enthusiastic cheers from the thousands of people in the stadium.

In a society where those living with HIV are discriminated against, one of the female players who is living with HIV said: “I am happy and excited to be a part of this game. I felt as healthy as any other player. It really boosted my confidence to play in this way and has made me more hopeful for a better life in the future.”

Said Nepali singer Subani Moktan: “I am happy to be a part of a cause where I can help in decreasing discrimination against HIV positive people. Even I was not aware that Nepal has the highest HIV prevalence in the South Asian Region.”

“I always wanted to play football in the national stadium,” said Deepak Bista, a National Taekwondo expert and Olympic athlete. “Being able to fulfil my childhood dream while spreading messages about HIV and AIDS is a great opportunity for me.”

Mr. Bista also displayed his football skills as he led the 'ARV Superstars' to victory by scoring two goals.

‘This campaign is just the beginning’

After the match, the players spoke with the media to make sure that the message of the event would be spread beyond those in attendance at the stadium.

“This silent pandemic deserves our serious attention,” said Manavi Dhakal, a popular VJ in Nepal.

“This campaign is just the beginning,” added Paras Khadka, a national cricketer.

Sugarika KC, a former Miss Nepal, added, “I hope this match will sensitize our youngsters about the issue.”

Focus on children living with HIV:

The whole event was organized by Saathi Sanga Manka Kura (SSMK), a popular radio programme, and Equal Access, a non-governmental organization, with support from UNICEF. The event was also supported by Family Health International, FHI/USAID and the Nepal Association of People Living with AIDS (NAPN).

The funds collected through ticket sales will be used for the care and treatment of HIV infected children, who account for roughly a third of those infected in Nepal.

“Whenever we talk about AIDS, we only think about adults,” said Nirnaya, a popular rap singer. “I was amazed to know that so many children are living with HIV in my country and these children really need our affection and attention.”
]]> Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:56:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/547049 27.7166667 85.316666727.716666785.3166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/545555
Hope this finds you well.

Just a quick blog to update you on what was going on on the WAD.

This few weeks past we were very busy with the preparation and commemoration of the WAD, I think it was the same for you.

For us, we have been doing different activities including peer education sessions, Home-Based Campaign, posting posters, announcements and providing transport for young people to VCT locations.

Indeed, the sessions were about awareness rising of the WAD and meeting with the anti-AIDS Clubs Leaders were done in order to prepare the WAD.

Posters and public announcements with a message calling for people to commemorate the WAD through getting an HIV test were posted in public places.
Three days; Friday, Sunday and Monday; of the Home-based campaign were held. Volunteers provided comprehensive information about HIV prevention, transmission, and AIDS treatment and distribute leaflets containing additional information. Other three days of the home-based campaign will be held later in very little week time.

Transportation to VCT locations was provided for 51 young people.

The next blog will be about the outcome of our activities carried out.

Thanks.
]]> Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:33:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/545555 -2.5808333 29.7116667-2.580833329.7116667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/529141
The HIV/AIDS situation in Egypt is no different from that in other developing countries with regards the accuracy of data concerning the exact number of PLHIV as regard to Ministry of Health and population By December 2005, according to the MOHP, 2330 cases have been detected; of these 1680 were Egyptians and 650 were foreigners. However international organizations and estimating larger number may exceed 50.000 persons.
So we feel responsibility towards this critical situation at our country especially when we knew that the highest rates of new cases had been recorded at MENA region with percentage of 300%. (World Health Statistics, 2007).

And to focus more , we will not target the wide circle this time neither the vulnerable groups but this time we will target people living with HIV.
We know that PLHIV in Egypt, require basic, specific information about support, treatment, care, nutrition and positive living in a simple and effective Arabic words stating basic facts. Further, advocacy skills are needed to address issues related to treatment, human rights, stigma and discrimination, and gender.
It will be through two workshop plus a booklet for people living with HIV to have a far-reaching communication, information and support PLHIV network in Egypt including urban but also hard to reach rural areas where there is less information, education and communication about HIV.
we as GYCA team at Egypt think deeper to interact with PLHIV themselves not just talking about them so we will do this project during the coming 4 months we now at the preparation stage and soon we will start.

May be if we get through to the people we could save even if only one life, it would be a major breakthrough for us. ]]> Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:51:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/529141 29.9666667 31.2529.966666731.25 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/528997 Lack of sexual health information and services places these young people at risk for pregnancy, abortion, sexually transmitted, infections (STI), and HIV. According to UNAIDS (2006), 2,900,000 youth ages 10-24 are living with HIV in Nigeria (2008 National Youth Shadow report, Nigeria).
Major programmes and basic information on health related issues are published in the big cities, forgetting the rural people. This has resulted in the under-development, exploitation, poverty and ignorance that characterize rural dwellers in Nigeria. In the 15 states where this project will be implemented, one rural community has been selected. These communities do not have the presence of any NGO implementing such programs so can be described as marginalized or developmental program-deficient and malnourished.

The aim of this project is to bridge the communication gap between the urban and rural dwellers focusing on young people; to enable them have equal access to basic information on HIV/AIDS, STIs and Reproductive Health. It has been designed as GYCA Nigeria’s change project for 2008.
As the project name implies (Close the Gap Nigeria), there is a wide gap in the accessibility of information between urban and rural areas in Nigeria. Most NGOs, CBOs and even government agencies concentrate on urban areas when carrying out development programs. This has resulted in a break in communication. Young people in rural areas know little or nothing about HIV/AIDS, malaria, STIs and other illnesses; their primary causes, preventive measures and information on treatment. Young people between 10-25years in rural areas are involved in risky sexual and social behaviours which endanger or expose them to these infections. This project is designed to provide adequate and understandable information on these diseases by organizing group discussion sessions amongst young people and community drama in the community. They will be sensitized on developmental issues that will result in a change in behaviour and attitude. These group sessions will take the form of an open community forum in one community in 15 states (Sokoto, Lagos, Imo, Kwara, Abuja, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Kano, Ekiti, Ondo, Nassarawa and Plateau) of Nigeria.
Each state already has a coordinator, who will take charge of the implementation of the projects in their respective locations.

Objectives
- To provide accurate and important information on HIV/AIDS, STIs, Malaria and other health issues on a weekly basis.
- To start a club for peer education and group discussion.
- To get 375 young persons between 10-25years actively involved in the club’s activities; 25 in each of the communities.
- To create attitudinal and behaviour change amongst club members which will be monitored using parent/guardian interviews, individual story and reduction in participation of club members in risky sexual behaviour.
]]> Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:44:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/528997 6.1833333 6.756.18333336.75 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/528861
As you know it already, the World AIDS Day is approaching. Only fifteen days left. The theme of the year is ‘LEADERSHIP’. Take the lead and keep promise!

It is the reason why we decided to start the WAD preparations early this month.
Indeed, during this past two weeks we held teaching sessions first and Segundo we shifted to different meetings with youth anti-AIDS Club leaders to think and discuss about events that would be held on the WAD.

We decided to start commemorating the WAD since the beginning of the last week of this month.
Different activities will be done including the Home-Based Campaign,peer education sessions and a protest.

I take this opportunity to invite all of you, to our next blog which will be totally about the WAD commemoration activities and their outcomes.

Kindly regards,
Jean Luc
]]> Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:10:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/528861 -2.5808333 29.7116667-2.580833329.7116667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/528783
I would like to take this time to thank the GYCA Small Grant for making it possible for the “Youth Leadership Project: Involving youth in HIV/AIDS Education and Leadership Programming” to be implemented.

The aim of the Project:

Is to challenge the socialized youth environment and gender roles that increase women’s and youth’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS while encouraging them to become agents of change in their own lives.
Is to select 4 members from and work in their community as youth leaders by creating small groups that educate youth on their right to be educated in gender and HIV issues

We have already started the project by identifying 4 Communities and submitted an application forms to those interested to join the project. We have received 30 youth application who applied to be youth leaders of the small groups. Others indicated that if they are not chosen as the leaders they will become members of the small groups.

We are currently going through selecting the 12 candidates that will be announced to their community, and their community will vote for the person they think is a right candidate to become their community leader. The project management is preparing a December Sexual Health and facilitation training.


Looking forward in reporting next month same date.

Cheers for now..
]]> Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:08:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/528783 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/526159
First of all many thanks to GYCA to provide a unique opportunity to implement a small grant project title “Access to care, treatment for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA) in Nepal “.

The purpose of this project is to remind us our mission, commitment and promises and if successful to influence policy making process and resource allocation decisions for quality care, treatment services in Nepal.

Specific Objective of the project is:
• Develop fact HIV and AIDS treatment IEC materials.
• Provide a unique PHA forum to their share ideas, stories, challenges, gaps and needs of PHA.
• Meaningful involvement of youth PHA in policy/decision level of Health/HIV.

Initially, we are preparing to develop a fact HIV and AIDS treatment IEC material and distribute in INGOs/NGOs, CBOs and government agencies etc. and aware them about the needs of PLHAs minimum standard of quality care, treatment services in Nepal.

Similarly, we are preparing to conduct a PLHAs forum, where they can share their challenges, needs and gaps and also conduct current stakeholders meeting. The agenda of the forum and stakeholders meeting is to survey on the side effects of 1st and 2nd line Anti-retro viral (ARV) treatment and what regimen are provided in 2nd line ART by Nepal Government to PLHA and how many people are receiving 2nd line treatment in a free of cost, because Government of Nepal had announced to provide 1st line ARV regimen for PLHAs in a free of cost.


Cheers,
sujan
]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:07:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/526159 27.7166667 85.316666727.716666785.3166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/517255
Hope this find you well.

These last two week of October, it was a busy time for us.

All activities were about Teaching Sessions for Rural Youth Anti-AIDS Clubs at BUKOMEYE and LIBA, and Specific Sessions for Rural Parents.

Teaching Sessions were held weekly every Sunday and we taught rural youth about Reproductive Health and Family Planning. We decided so because as you now nowadays HIV/AIDS related services are being integrated together with that of Reproductive health and/or Family Planning.
The sessions were successful and interesting on both sides. Trainers and Trainees.

Also specific sessions started for parents, we decided to hold such important sessions during or after national community works, be it is on those days that we can find a high number of parents together. This started at the end of the October. Note that Rwandan National Community Work takes place on the last Saturday of each month.

Thank you.
]]> Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/517255 -2.5808333 29.7116667-2.580833329.7116667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/515855
We have also conducted two more community performances at where over 1000 people attended. The activities included; Drama, songs, traditional dances, poems and acrobatic. The massage in both cases was about HIV/Aids prevention, VCT and girls rights. More girls continue to show interest in taking part in the fight against girls’ abuse and HIV/Aids. In all these functions the responses have been overwhelming. Communities appreciate what their girls are doing and commended and advised them to live exemplary and do what they preach.

Girls continue to interact and explore on how best they can overcome their problems. I believe if given financial resources, they can work hard to sustain themselves. Girl empowerment can not work without economic empowerment. We are exploring ways on how we can finance these girls to start small scale businesses
]]> Mon, 03 Nov 2008 04:01:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/gycablog/post/515855 -15.7833333 35.0-15.783333335.0