 |
|||||||||||
|
Keeping Youth "Safe from Harm" in Zimbabwe HARARE, Zimbabwe, October 20, 2005 — As the first country to launch the Regional Delayed Debut mass media campaign in April 2005, Zimbabwe is once again leading the way by implementing the interpersonal communication (IPC) component of the "Delayed Debut" campaign and using religious leaders as program facilitators. The official launch of the mass media campaign in Zimbabwe generated tremendous FBO interest in the program, with over 200 representatives in attendance. To harness this enthusiasm it was decided that AIDSMark's "Safe from Harm" delayed debut IPC program would be adapted to the Zimbabwean context by utilizing pastors and/or religious leaders as IPC program facilitators. Using religious leaders as IPC facilitators is based on the recognition of the influence and reach of the church within the community. Local PSI/Zimbabwe staff worked closely with pastors and religious leaders from different religious organizations to customize the program manuals for use by FBOs. The adaptation included incorporating biblical scripture into various sections of the manual and removing any discussion of condoms from the adolescent component of the program (although such topics remained in the parent section). In September, AIDSMark provided technical support to a Safe from Harm IPC facilitator training for a group of nearly 20 Catholic, Apostolic and Methodist pastors and religious leaders. The training covered program content and basic facilitation skills, and focused on making a distinction between being a pastor and acting as a facilitator. Upon completion of the training, a pilot program was launched in two church congregation communities in the Chitungwiza town and Glen Norah suburb of Harare. Pastors have been willing to cover all aspects of the training and program manual, and pilot sessions for parents and their adolescents have been well-received. One pastor commented, "The Delayed Debut Campaign Workshop… contributed to an enhancement of relations between parents-pastors-youth and the community in an effort to combat myth, denial, ignorance, stigma, and discrimination… We are ready to embrace your program." Zimbabwe is only a starting point for the Safe from Harm program. Whether
it's with religious leaders, peer educators, or other community facilitators,
AIDSMark will work with all interested PSI countries to adapt the program
to their specific cultural context. — Jessica Greene, PSI/Washington
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
