 |
| Dominic Matthew outline project Challenge " Choose " Change of the Saddlers Collaborative Interest Group. |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (June 22, 2006): The two projects developed by community groups under the PANCAP/CARICOM Mini-Grant Programme uses sports as a main vehicle in their drive to educate and reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS.
During a ceremony at the Foundation for National Development Conference Room on Tuesday, the groups received funding for their projects to the tune of approximately US$5,000.00. They also made a presentation detailing the components of their respective projects.
The first project to be implemented targets Saddlers and its surrounding communities. With a projected start date of July 8, 50 persons between the ages of 15 to 29 will be educated in HIV/AIDS and preventative methods, have myths and stigma associated with the disease dispelled and engage in a positive and productive activity.
A basketball clinic and tournament incorporating HIV/AIDS themes as well as a community fair will be used to get the message across under the project dubbed Challenge " Choose " Change. The main activity is the community fair.
"It's a really big thing," Dominic Matthew said during the project outline of the Saddlers Collaborative Interest Group. He revealed that the Health Promotion Unit of the Ministry of Health as well as Cable and Wireless have pledged support.
A mini music concert forms part of the entertainment on this day which Matthews said is designed to stress the project message to a wider cross section of the youth population. A presentation by a person living with HIV/AIDS and the finals of the basketball tournament are also planned for that event.
The project will run for 10 weeks. Additional information will be available on the group's website and in the local press.
Meanwhile, the Washington Archibald High Young Leaders project called "Taking on the Challenge" will begin later this year and will be executed in East Basseterre. A comic book based on a scenario involving the pandemic will be produced by young students and distributed to the two high schools in Basseterre and the wider community.
Organized rap sessions dubbed "One on One on de Block" involves going to hang out spots of young men and engaging them in
discussions with a view to positively changing their behaviour. A basketball tournament and day fair are also included in this project. The target month for execution is September.
Both groups thanked the Department of Youth for its continued support in this process.
~~Adz:Right~~
