When I was studying at CHSE, I had the opportunity to participate in a UNICEF affiliated peer education program initiated by Madulu. It was a peer to peer awareness creating program on HIV, AIDS and ABUSE.
The project was chiefly collective drama skits and plays incorporated with awareness messages on the subjects of HIV, AIDS and abuse. The plays were followed by a discussion session in cluster groups for effective delivery. The pilot project initially was intended for Male' schools and without further improvements and contextualizing, the project delivery was limited in different islands.
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| Young girls from a Maldivian Island - The Island Community is yet to be informed of HIV and AIDS |
We also found out that many peers had limited knowledge about HIV, risky behaviours, AIDS and response to tackle abuse cases. Staggering number of peers either experienced or went through different levels of abuse. Nonetheless, few had spoken to parents about their ordeal and sadly, the rest were all reserved. We also learned that parents informed their kids not to talk about sexual abuse they undergo, considering it a taboo which is allegedly due to potential social ostracism and shame. However, they did not consider the pain and rights of the children.
Peers who had troubles talking sensitive topics and who were emotionally distressed about their experiences were subjected to further counselling by our in-house counselor. Many of the peers has experienced different levels of trauma and seizure while sharing their torments. Peer Educators successfully encouraged and urged the peers to share with trusted parties and then report to authorities and included a how to reach authorities.
This report, gives a summary of what we observed and our recommendations to make a peer education project even more successful.
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