Success Story: “VCT Project”
Awareness Day at Alphendale High in the Eastern Cape has become a day to remember thanks to a group of OneVoice South Africa learners who decided to “speak out…and make a change!”
The project was planned and organised by a group of young people (members of a dynamic OneVoice South Africa Club), who realised that their peers – blacks and coloureds from different backgrounds and communities – are in denial of the fact that everyone is affected by HIV and AIDS.
During discussion meetings held once a week after school, they realised that if they persuaded their friends to voluntarily get tested for HIV – they might be able to facilitate a change in attitude towards HIV and AIDS. Thus the idea of an ‘awareness day’ grew. A day to encourage young people in and out of school, to get tested, and to raise the awareness around knowing your status – so that they are able to make well informed decisions when about life.
The school was buzzing with excitement in the day; the principal allowed the school to finish early so that the event could get underway. All around school there were posters made by young people encouraging other young people to be aware, protect themselves from HIV infection and know their status. It was a huge success.
Afterwards one of the club members said that young people know what to do, and only need a little push to go in the right direction… then they know how to get help and where to get help from, and once they catch up they never let go!