SOS Social Centre Ennerdale reaches out to the youth

At the end of the workshop... - Photo: B. Dimbleby The SOS Social Centre Ennerdale is juggling a number of community development programmes. They recently held a two-week school holiday programme for youth between the ages of 14 to 25. The programme focused on information and awareness regarding HIV/AIDS. The aims and objectives of the programme centred on issues of sexuality, being responsible for one's actions and attitude, and behaviour change. The youth were encouraged to be supportive towards people living with AIDS. The workshop, which had a good attendance of 74 people, was co-facilitated by the youth themselves. "They displayed a lot of self-confidence, courage and a clear understanding of the subject," said Sister Verina from the SOS Clinic. Everyone received a certificate for having attended the course - Photo: B. Dimbleby Other programmes run at the social centre include: - A Youth Arts and Cultural Programme, which is an HIV drama presented by the youth. It is held three times a week and about 15 people attend each time. - PWA (People With AIDS) Support Group where there is counselling, sharing and support. - Soup kitchen where PWAs receive a balanced meal once a week. - Food bank where fresh fruit and vegetables are collected and distributed to PWAs. - Young Mothers' Support Group where discussions on personal hygiene, how to care for a baby, breastfeeding, and encouraging them to attend school is addressed. - Behavioural Change Programme, which is a follow-up of the school holiday programme. Assessment of changed behaviour, discussion of sexuality and other issues of concern, attitude towards the use of condoms and encouraging youth to abstain from sex. - Community Health Committee is an external meeting where issued affecting the region, coordination of services and cooperation with other clinics is discussed. The need for the community to start a food gardening project is also encouraged.