For National Youth Day, OneVoice South Africa (OVSA) learners in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape honoured young people affected by the unrelenting effects of HIV and AIDS. Reaching out in partnership with OVSA – a dynamic non-governmental organisation working in schools to support a reduction in new HIV infections – learners wished to acknowledge the many young South Africans who are faced with the ongoing realities of losing parents/caregivers and family members.

OVSA learners arrived at the Ramakrishna Ethembeni Home to distribute clothes to orphans as part of their Schools Programme Advocacy Project. These projects play a pivotal role in the development of young people as it allows them the opportunity to discuss and identify HIV and AIDS related issues and other problems that affect them and the communities they live in. “Giving back to the community brings great satisfaction”, said an OVSA learner.

The orphanage houses about 45 orphans and the OVSA learners decided that their project would focus on bettering the lives of the orphans. Their request went far and wide and a large amount of clothing was collected. OVSA staff members also partook in the campaign, assisting in collecting clothes and arranging to transport the learners to and from the orphanage.

The Ramakrishna Ethembeni Home provides a save heaven for the orphans and provides for their basic needs. The benefit of the new clothes was a welcome relief and lit up the faces of the orphans.

One OVSA learner enthused: “The Schools Programme helps us to identify pressing and urgent problems in the community. One major problem is that young people are orphaned at an early age. Family members and caregivers can no longer provide for the orphans and seek help from community centres like the Ramakrishna Ethembeni Home”.

The Founder of the home, Mrs Thobile Mhlongo, also known as KwaZulu-Natal’s “Mother Teresa” expressed her excitement at the OVSA initiative. She encouraged learners continue with the OVSA Schools Programme, complete school and further their education.

OVSA encourages young people to take action through taking part in the Schools Programme. This could mean anything from making a change in their own life, becoming a volunteer, fundraising for a community project, or spreading awareness.

For more information on the work of OneVoice South Africa, please visit our website on www.onevoice.org.za or call us on +27 (0)31 202 0555

Basic nutrition and health care, shelter, and social services are some of the basic rights of children, enshrined in the South African Constitution (Section 28, Bill of Rights)…but how many young South Africans are actually aware of their rights?

OneVoice South Africa (OVSA), a non-governmental organisation which actively involves young people in HIV and AIDS prevention, has a dedicated Schools Programme that addresses issues around HIV and AIDS, life skills, sexual reproductive health, gender and human rights. Unfortunately, history has shown that young people are often ignored as the main role players in their own lives – including being adequately informed about the ‘rights’ they are entitled to.

The OVSA Schools Programme engages learners in ways which increase their knowledge and skills of situations and/or actions that might place their lives at risk. The programme consists of a series of nine workshops that focus on building life skills and addressing sexual reproductive health, gender and human rights issues, as well as mobilising young people to reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS in South Africa.

The first workshop places a strong emphasis on values and human rights. From the outset, young people are asked to explore their own ’values’ and are then taken through to what human rights are. The main aim of this workshop is to help learners explore their own values and how these values relate to human rights.  Learners are also familiarised with Section 28 of the Bill of Rights, which addresses Children’s Rights, and are encouraged to engage around the topic in this safe environment. At the end of the workshop, learners understand that rights go hand-in-hand with responsibilities.  “We all need to be involved in making sure that others are aware of our rights, but equally, that we behave responsibly when executing those rights,” said Mbuso Mtembu, OVSA Facilitator, KwaZulu-Natal.

Ultimately, the Schools Programme hopes to enable learners to develop positive voices in response to the critical issues affecting their lives. Learners involved in the OVSA Schools Programme are provided with a safe platform to engage in activities, express their personal views, and to reflect on discussions held. Support materials include activities that are linked to the outcomes of the Department of Education’s National Life Orientation (LO) syllabus, and could form a key part of learner assessment in school. Developed by educational experts, the Schools Programme is aligned to the HIV & AIDS and STI Strategic Plan for South Africa (NSP 2007-2011), and the LO syllabus. The workshops have also been developed to address issues around South African HIV epidemic drivers.

If you are interested in learning more about the great work that is being done with young South Africans or, if you would like to support the OVSA Schools Programme, please visit the OVSA website at www.onevoice.org.za or call for more information on +27 (0)31 202 0555.

OVSA is funded by: USAID/Johns Hopkins University Project South Africa; ICCO and Oxfam International.

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In honour of World AIDS Day, a group of OneVoice South Africa (OVSA) learners recently took centre stage, when they led their school peers and local community in an all-day HIV and AIDS awareness campaign.

While involved in the OVSA Schools Programme, these dynamic learners were encouraged to discuss and address HIV and AIDS and sexual reproductive health issues affecting their lives. During the interactive workshops, learners soon realised that their peers were in denial of the fact that everyone is affected by HIV and AIDS.  They agreed that if they could persuade them to get tested for HIV, they might facilitate a change in attitude towards HIV and AIDS. With World AIDS Day rapidly approaching, the group decided to take action, and came up with the idea of an HIV and AIDS ‘awareness’ campaign.

In support of this event, the learners designed posters encouraging their peers to protect themselves from HIV infection, and know their status.  On the day in question, the school was buzzing with excitement and the principal allowed learners to finish early, so that the event could get underway. The day was a huge success and it was clear to those involved, that young people have a thirst for knowledge. Afterwards one of the OVSA learners said “young people know what to do, and only need a little push to go in the right direction”…

 OVSA is a vibrant and unique non-governmental organisation, which uses innovative and creative ways of actively involving young people in HIV and AIDS prevention. OVSA offers young people a platform to discuss and address HIV and AIDS, sexual reproductive health, gender and human rights issues affecting their lives. By concurrently educating learners on specific life skills, OVSA helps young people address critical issues in their lives. It is hoped that through this facilitation, young people can support behaviour change and ultimately, a reduction in HIV incidence.

 Launched as a 4-school pilot project in 2005, OVSA has grown its dynamic Schools Programme to include 74 schools across three provinces; KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. OVSA is currently developing an even more contextualised programme for 2010; one which will reinforce alignment to the HIV & AIDS and STI Strategic Plan for South Africa (2007-2011), the Life Orientation curriculum and South African epidemic drivers.

OneVoice South Africa is based in Durban (KwaZulu-Natal), with regional offices in East London (Eastern Cape) and in Cape Town (Western Cape). The organisation is funded by USAID, Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa and the interchurch organisation for development cooperation (ICCO).

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JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s HIV epidemic has levelled off at a prevalence of 10.9% for people aged two years and older, with 5.2 million people estimated to be living with HIV in 2008. HIV prevalence has also declined among children aged 2-14, from 5.6% in 2002 to 2.5% in 2008, and a decline in new infections has also been noted among teenagers aged 15-19.

These findings emerge from the third national HIV prevalence, incidence and communication survey which was conducted in 2008 and which followed surveys in 2002 and 2005.

“This latest survey provides us with an opportunity to understand the HIV epidemic over time, and there are promising findings of a changing pattern of HIV infection among children and youth”, said Dr Olive Shisana, CEO of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and one of the two principal investigators of the study.

“The good news is that the change in HIV prevalence in children is most likely attributable to the successful implementation of several HIV-prevention interventions,” Shisana said. These interventions are related to addressing HIV in early childhood, particularly programmes to prevent mother-to-child transmission in the Western Cape, where the largest decline of 6 percentage points occurred.

Professor Thomas Rehle, the other principal investigator of the study, emphasised that “we may witness for the first time a decrease in HIV incidence among teenagers”. Indirect HIV incidence estimates were mathematically derived from single year age prevalence in 15-20 year olds. “This method is best applicable in younger age groups when the effect of AIDS-related mortality on HIV prevalence levels is still minimal,” Rehle explained.

Successes recorded in the study

A reduction in HIV prevalence in the teenage population, which indicates an overall decline in HIV in the teenage population of 15-19 years in 2008. HIV prevalence among adults aged 15-49 has declined between 2002 and 2008 in the Western Cape, Gauteng, Northern Cape and the Free State, with the largest decline of 7.9 percentage points in the Western Cape.

The percentage of people in the age group 15-49 who reported awareness of their HIV status has doubled from 2005 to 2008. This is attributable to multisectoral communication and programmes that promoted knowledge of HIV status and the substantial increase in the availability of voluntary counselling and testing services (VTC) over the period.

The proportion of the population who reported using a condom at their last sexual encounter was particularly high among young people aged 15-24 years: from 57% in 2002 to 87% in 2008 among young males, and from 46% to 73% among young females. This trend was also obvious in condom use among people in the 25-49 age group, where condom use among males aged 25-49 at last sex has nearly doubled, while among females in the same age group it has tripled. This may indicate a shift in power relations between males and females, but also an understanding of the value of condoms as in important prevention measure.

There was an increase in the population reached by at least one national HIV communication programme between 2005 and 2008. This trend is in an upwards direction, and is particularly clear among youth where 90% reported that they have been reached by at least one programme. Although reach of the main national HIV/AIDS communication programmes increased over time, the government’s Khomanani Programme had the lowest reach in comparison to other programmes. Reach of all programmes was low for people aged 50 years and older, with 37.8% of people in this age group not being reached by any programme.

Communication programmes are not reaching all sectors of the population,” said Dr Warren Parker, a co-investigator on the study. “The lack of reach into older age groups has been raised repeatedly in previous studies, yet nearly four out of ten people aged 50 years and older are not reached by any programme.”

The challenges

Dr Shisana stressed that there are still major challenges that would need coordinated, concerted and intensive effort to complement and sustain the achievements to date. “Our efforts in the coming period need to focus on key drivers of the epidemic,” said Shisana.

Professor Leickness Simbayi, the study’s co-principal investigator, added that there is a need for a clear and unambiguous emphasis on teenagers having older partners, and on all sexually active people limiting the number of sexual partners that they have. “Interventions need to be targeted to the particular issues in each province, and communication programmes need to focus on expanding their reach and intensifying their messages.”

The challenges include:

The high level of HIV prevalence among females aged 25-29 is persistent, and has been at a level of 33% over the period of three surveys.

Intergenerational sex has increased substantively among female teenagers aged 15-19, which exposes them to a group of older males with a higher HIV prevalence.

Having many sexual partners increases risk of exposure to HIV, and this high risk practice has increased markedly between 2002 and 2008. Among males aged 15-49, having more than one sexual partner in the past year increased from 9.4% in 2002 to 19.3% in 2008, whilst among females the increase was from 1.6% to 3.7%.

HIV prevalence levels among adults aged 15-49 has increased between 2002 and 2008 among the large populations of KwaZulu-Natal (by 10.1%) and in the Eastern Cape (by 5.0%). Smaller increases were noted in North West, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.

HIV prevention knowledge has declined among the population 15-49 years at national level, from 64.4% in 2005 to 44.8% in 2008, and has also declined in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.

Shisana said “for the first time, the report provides information on high-risk groups, defined in this study as people who drink excessively, those who take drugs, men who have sex with men and people with disabilities as well as women aged 20-34 and men aged 25-49. More attention should be paid to these categories in the NSP”.

The report recommends that HIV testing be routinely offered to all patients at health facilities, and that options for safe child bearing be expanded for people in the 20-34 year age group.

Courtesy of HSRC. ]]> http://www.OneVoice.org.za/2009/08/06/third-national-hiv-survey/feed/ 0 http://www.OneVoice.org.za/2009/07/29/new-hiv-and-aids-organisation-for-young-people-is-launched/ http://www.OneVoice.org.za/2009/07/29/new-hiv-and-aids-organisation-for-young-people-is-launched/#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:44:05 +0000 Administrator http://www.OneVoice.org.za/?p=327 1 July 2009

OneVoice South Africa today launches a new HIV and AIDS prevention organisation for young people. Meaningful participation is at the heart of this organisation, which recognises that  young people (12-19 years) are not only the beneficiaries of such interventions, but also extremely valuable as proactive leaders in their communities. To be able to fulfill this inherent potential, young people need to be exposed to the knowledge and skills which allow them to make the best possible choices for their lives and futures.

The current programme has been developed by staff who have worked in the HIV and AIDS prevention field for numerous years, and boast a wealth of experience in designing and implementing age, gender and culturally appropriate prevention programmes for young people.

OneVoice South Africa is also passionate about working with young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, from different geographical areas and from various settings, including in education and in the community for the following reasons:

• most young people become sexually active between 13 and 24;
• most new infections are between 15 and 24, mainly among young women;
• young people’s minds are more receptive to creative and inclusive messaging; and
• young people are our future leaders and role models.

OneVoice South Africa currently implements a successful Schools Programme in 73 schools across KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. The Schools Programme has been developed within a South African context and focuses on life skills, sexual reproductive health and HIV and AIDS issues. It is appealing to young people because it provides them with a safe environment in which to address the current health issues which affect their day-to-day lives. Presented to young people in creative ways, the programme combines education, information and creative expression. The programme remains relevant by conducting high quality monitoring and evaluation activities on an ongoing basis.

OneVoice South Africa is based in Durban (KwaZulu-Natal), with regional offices in East London (Eastern Cape) and in Cape Town (Western Cape). The organisation is funded by USAID and PEPFAR through Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa. This collaborative effort highlights a jointly-held focus on promoting HIV prevention through life skills training and positive peer interaction, which in turn allows young people to address health issues in their communities.

Journalist Notes on OneVoice South Africa:

Our Vision

A safe and creative environment where young people are part of the collective voice to develop positive lifestyles in the HIV and AIDS response.

Mission

To promote meaningful participation of young people in making informed decisions about health and lifestyle, including sexual reproductive health within our communities.

Website: www.onevoice.org.za

For more information please email:

Marlijn van Berne (Communications and Media Manager) at marlijn@onevoice.org.za or 031 202 0555 or Ravind Sewpersad (Communications and Media Officer) at ravind@onevoice.org.za or 031 202 0555.

OneVoice South Africa launches in Durban this week with a mandate to defend our future.

Durban: New coastal NGO, OneVoice South Africa has committed itself to defending South Africa’s future. The organisation, launched in Durban this week, will focus on tactical interventions to educate young South Africans on HIV prevention. In South Africa, the majority of new infections occur among 15 to 24 year olds and it is within this social milieu that the organisation plans to promote meaningful participation in making informed decisions about health, lifestyle and sexual reproductive health.

Josianne Roma-Reardon Managing Director of OneVoice, says that the organisation presently engages with 73 schools in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern and Western Cape. “The programme leverages contextually relevant life skills programmes, designed to engage youth creatively, to encourage participation and build knowledge.”  She says that by designing and implementing age, gender and culturally relevant programmes coupled with encouraging involvement of parents and care givers it is possible to raise awareness and understanding levels amongst young South Africans.

“It is our responsibility to defend our future,” says Roma-Reardon, “to educate and protect the “Generation Next” and build a foundation for healthy and successful living.” She adds that HIV and responsible lifestyle awareness should infiltrate every aspect of society, but that the key lies with the youth. “Young minds are receptive to creative and inclusive messaging and education. Whether it’s a question about delaying having sex, how the body changes during puberty or how to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV – a safe and comfortable environment is required for young people to air their views and participate.” This, she says, is provided by OneVoice’s programme.

She says OneVoice is presently working on a new programme for implementation next year that should see an increase in participating schools with exponential growth in reach. The organisation also plans to launch a Youth Advisory Board to help guide and provide feedback on its programmes.

OneVoice South Africa is based in Durban (KwaZulu-Natal), with regional offices in East

London (Eastern Cape) and in Cape Town (Western Cape). The organisation is funded by

USAID and PEPFAR through Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa.

OneVoice South Africa (formerly dance4life South Africa) officially launches in Durban on Wednesday 29 July 2009.

ENDS

Issued by:

Marcus Brewster Publicity

(011) 783 8222

On Behalf of Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa

OneVoice South Africa today announced the launch of their new organisation. Meaningful participation of young people is at the heart of its new HIV and AIDS prevention programme, which recognises that young people are not only the beneficiaries of such interventions, but are also proactive leaders in their communities.

Moving from childhood to adolescence to adulthood, young people are in a stage of transition, which is a time of both risk and opportunity for change. OneVoice South Africa acknowledges that young people are a great potential resource to themselves, their families, communities and societies. However, to be able to fulfill this inherent potential, young people need to be exposed to the knowledge and skills which allow them to make the best possible choices for their lives and futures.

Formerly known as ‘dance4life South Africa’, OneVoice South Africa has worked in the HIV and AIDS prevention field as a non-governmental organisation for four and a half years, during which time staff have acquired a wealth of experience in developing and implementing HIV and AIDS projects with and for young people.

OneVoice South Africa works with young people (12–19 years) and is currently implementing a successful Schools Programme in 73 schools across KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. The Schools Programme has been developed within a South African context and focuses on life skills, sexual reproductive health and HIV and AIDS issues, and is presented in creative and engaging ways, while helping young people address health issues affecting their lives.

OneVoice South Africa is based in Durban (KwaZulu-Natal), with regional offices in East London (Eastern Cape) and in Cape Town (Western Cape). The organisation is funded by USAID and PEPFAR through Johns Hopkins Health & Education in South Africa. This collaborative effort highlights a jointly-held focus on promoting HIV prevention through life skills training and positive peer interaction, which in turn allows young people to address health issues in their communities.

Journalist Notes on OneVoice South Africa:

OneVoice South Africa is passionate about working with young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, from different geographical areas and from various settings, including in education and in the community for the following reasons:

• most young people become sexually active between 13 and 24;
• most new infections are between 15 and 24, mainly among young women;
• young people’s minds are more receptive to creative and inclusive messaging; and
• young people are our future leaders and role models.

Our Vision

A safe and creative environment where young people are part of the collective voice to develop positive lifestyles in the HIV and AIDS response.

Mission

To promote meaningful participation of young people in making informed decisions about health and lifestyle, including sexual reproductive health within our communities.

Website: www.onevoice.org.za

For more information: Click here