Communications Network Unit | Social Services Delivery Unit | Agro Tourism Unit
SOCIAL
SERVICES DELIVERY UNIT
1998 - Social Awareness; HIV/AIDS /STDs –
The Toco Youth and Sexuality Project (TYSP)
This project is a joint initiative of the Toco Foundation and the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC), supported by the German Technical Fund (GTZ). It comprises a group of specially trained young people whose goal is to make their peers more aware of all aspects of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and to help them develop a deeper appreciation of their own sexuality.
Interventions that target youth are an important component of HIV/AIDS strategies. The Toco Youth and Sexuality Project has been working to develop an informed, healthy and responsible sexual life style among the young people of north-eastern Trinidad. Indeed, the project has been able to reach out to approximately 70 percent of the youth population on the Toco coast. The project is grounded in the community, consulting with local leaders and young people, and integrating people living with HIV/AIDS. This participatory approach helps ensure that the project’s work remains relevant and appropriate. Peer educators use a range of tools and methods, including popular theatre, folk media, and face to face discussions to build awareness of, and stimulate public debate on, HIV/AIDS and related issues. The Toco Youth and Sexuality Project has launched a radio programme entitled “Lifestyles Sexuality and Young Adults” which is broadcast on their very own community radio station Radio Toco 106.7FM. The project holds membership and networks with a range of national and regional agencies.
The Toco Youth and Sexuality Project is one example of how young people can play a role in HIV/AIDS prevention. As a result, Toco has been validated as having the lowest HIV/AIDS infection rate in the Caribbean
The Project has developed as a UNAIDS best practice and won the 2001 Commonwealth 1st prize for community work in HIV/AIDS prevention. It has been assisted by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), through CAREC/GTZ Other agencies also assisted and we have representatives on national, regional and international bodies.
.2002 - Human Health /Re-engineering Inreach: Parenting Project; HIV/AIDS/STDs
This project proposes a proactive response at the family level, using intervention methodology at the house to house level. The project is designed to build awareness around current conditions affecting present family life and finding possible solutions to the many problems facing families within our community
Inreach: - is entering directly into the homes of families and bringing solutions where there seems to be none. The basis is to provide a sustainable approach through appropriate funding to a much needed social initiative amongst and between families in the first instance and the general community in the next. This is achieved through family oriented workshops involving relatives as the key players. These initiatives both excite and give people the tools to empower themselves. Families therefore become both gatekeepers and creators of change.
A new parenting
programme involving selected households in twelve (12) communities along
the Toco Coast. It is now considered to be model module with a very
high replicative
capacity – Assisted by Bernard Van Leer Foundation
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