An initiative to help combat homophobia and its effects on the HIV/AIDS epidemic amongst young MSM.
Who's involved?
Project leaders: Peta-Ann Morris (Project Coordinator), Javan Campbell (MSM Coordinator) and Rochell Daley (Psychosocial Counselor)
Lead organisation: Children First Agency
Other organisations: Caribbean Vulnerable Communities; Jamaica Constabulary Force/CISOCA; Office of Childre Advocate; Child Development Agency; Ministry of National Security (Victim Support Unit); Comprehensive Clinic Centre; Office of the Children Registry; National AIDS Committee, Ministry of Health; Ministry of Education; Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN); Jamaica AIDS Support for Life; Jamaica Forum for Lesbians All-Sexuals and Gays (JFLAG)
Timeframe: May 2012 - February 2013
Objectives:
- To strengthen knowledge and skills of our target group (50 young MSM aged 17-25) on HIV/AIDS and other STIs
- To build the capacity of 20 key stakeholders to better relate to and interact with MSM, through targeted sesitisation sessions
- To increase the availability of psycho-social support services for young MSM through advanced peer educator training for 10 MSM.
Activities:
For Objective 1:
- Create youth friendly edutainment drama presentation that uses cultural dance, songs and poetry to empower and promote awareness on MSM issues (in consultation with target population; drama presentations will be performed by the Children First group "Bashy Bus Kru").
- Perform drama presentation at two pre-selected high schools.
- Engage audience in question and anwer reinforcement sessions to explore what they have learnt from the drama presentation.
- Conduct empowerment sessions with young MSM on HIV/STI prevention to help reduce their vulnerability.
- Conduct VCCT testing and enhance existing referral mechanism of agencies providing information and services to MSM.
- Conduct three focus group discussions with MSM to collect baseline data to inform the approach for workshops.
- Conduct one workshop with 20 key stakeholders from health, education, social protection and law enforcement sectors to sensitze them to HIV/AIDS challenges, issues and developing trends occurring within the MSM population.
- Conduct one workshop with both MSM and stakeholders to discuss best practices and how care and support can be improved for MSM.
- From workshops held, develop a list of health care providers in targeted areas of New Kingston, Half-Way Tree communities and share with young MSM requiring services.
- From the 50 young MSM, ten will be engaged in advanced peer education training:
- Conduct eight advanced peer education sessions in life skills, human rights, conflict mediation, presentation skills and advocacy.
- Conduct pre- and post-assessment.
- Conduct risk-reducation and self-empoverment sessions.
- Conduct recruitment and mobilisation of new young MSM into the programme in order to expand its reach.
Downloads:
Project Proposal [PDF]
Progress Report 1: 7 July - 14 Nov. 2012 [PDF]
Final Narrative Report: 15 Nov 2012 - 28 Feb 2013 [PDF]
Final Report [PDF]