Joint press release by Premier Ebrahim Rasool and Ministers Uys and Dugmore on reaching targets for peer education in Western Cape schools

As part of Premier Rasool’s Siyabulela ("Giving Thanks") deliverables the Provincial Department of Health in conjunction with the Provincial Department of Education, and Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s) will celebrate the success of its Peer Education programme to reach the target set by the Premier to train 4 876 in 136 schools before the end of September 2006.

Peer education is an innovative programme that develops the capacities of high school learners to positively influence their peers, provide classroom teaching on sexuality, provide counselling to and refer their peers for support and initiate school-community based HIV and AIDS projects. This is done in an holistic framework that acknowledges that HIV and AIDS is strongly linked to the cycle of poverty and other ‘illnesses’ in society.

Based on collaborative rather than competitive principles, the programme’s positive and future-oriented approach emphasises the unique potential of every individual to grow up healthy in a world filled with opportunity.

"Peer educators succeed in reaching large numbers of youth effectively through workshops addressing topics such as HIV prevention, healthy relationships and living positively as a teenager", Pierre Uys said. "The fight against HIV and AIDS is a tough battle in which we take the lead to mobilise all sectors of community. This is a fine example of the success that can be achieved when government and the youth take hands", Uys said.

In celebrating the success of the programme, Premier Rasool will acknowledge 180 peer educators, also as part of Youth Month, to highlight the Departments of Health and Education’s successful achievement of their targets with regard to the Siyabulela deliverable on peer education in schools.

The event was held in Mbekweni near Paarl and apart from the Peer Educators was also attended by the Premier, Ministers Uys and Dugmore, officials from the Departments of Health and Education, local government officials and representatives of Non Governmental Organisations.

Shado Twala: Office of the Premier: 083 640 6771
Herman v.d. Westhuizen: Ministry of Health: 0827729161
Gert Witbooi: Ministry of Education 082 550 3938