This project targeted out-of-school youth with events to attract and educate participants as well as outreach activities to disseminate information on prevention and services available. 

Who's involved?

Project leaders: Susana Fepulea’i, Avau Jr Memea, Iosia Tiatia and Vester Fido

Lead organisation: Samoa AIDS Foundation

Other organisations: Samoa Red Cross Society (NGO); Samoa Family Health Association (NGO); Ministry of Women, Community & Social Development (Govt)

Timeframe: January - December 2009

Objectives:

• To increase young people’s knowledge on HIV/AIDS through information
• To boost involvement of young people promoting awareness of HIV/AIDS among their peers;
• To increase dissemination of information to young people on HIV/AIDS
• To advocate for behaviour change in young people through promotion of prevention on STIs including HIV;
• To increase knowledge on the abuse of women and the spread of HIV;
• To promote the services of SAF through information, referral and the VCCT Clinic for testing;

Activities:

The outreach program had two components:

1. An annual evening Youth Rally in Apia with entertainment, information, quizzes and prizes to be won. This “hip” setting provided ample opportunity to reach these often “invisible” youths and with the right information, provide them with appropriate life skills to protect themselves on the streets.

2. A quarterly street outreach where peer educators targeted young people to test their knowledge of STIs including HIV and AIDS as well as the dissemination of information on prevention and available services.

Results:

SAF carried out in-depth interviews with at least 150 young people per month at each designated venue in order to analyse their level of knowledge and their attitude towards HIV and AIDS. From these findings, peer educators were then able to make suggestions and educate based on the individual’s level of knowledge and overall attitude towards HIV and AIDS. The findings of these interviews and questionnaires also showed that the level of knowledge by young people on basic information on HIV was improving.

Young people were also made more aware of the services available to them at hospitals and clinics.

Downloads:

Project proposal [PDF Kb 113Kb]
Final report

Progress Reports:
11 February 2009: Introducing the project
1 February 2009: Project featured in Samoa Observer [PDF 190Kb]