Peer Education
Programme Successes:
From the Philippi Trust exert from a HCT Team
letter:
Our journey with Ukuthasa (GOLD) Programme
began some time ago when we first crossed paths. We
were excited to be associated because of the project's
achievements and the possibilities we saw in a
partnership. As a HIV testing and counselling service
provider, we could see the encouraging beginnings of a
long relationship.
We were invited to an Ukuthasa camp where we were
able to introduce ourselves and offer HIV and TB testing
and counselling. We could see that the learners were
very well informed about these death threatening
diseases and were eager to get tested. We were
subsequently invited to more school camps as our
relationship with Ukuthasa grew from strength to
strength.
Based in Somerset West, we carry out free HIV and TB
screening tests. We are a non-clinical site with highly
trained nursing staff and qualified counsellors. Our
influence has now grown to cover sites in Kraaifontein
and Mfuleni. We partner with the University of
Stellenbosch, Desmond Tutu TB centre to bring VCT
sites closer to the communities they serve. We have
found that many people are scared to go to clinics so
our partnership with Ukuthasa has made it possible for
us to visit schools where learners are realising the
benefits of being tested on a regular basis. We are very
blessed to be associated with Ukuthasa and we
appreciate the excellent job that they are doing in
educating scholars. The methods being used by these
highly trained facilitators are effective and are bearing
fruit. It is wonderful to the see their great
achievements.
Story from a Mentor Peer Educator...
"I used to drink a lot of alcohol and I was rude to my
parents, I did not respect them. When I was 13 years
old I was molested by my stepfather. From that time I
felt humiliated! I felt that no one respected me or cared
about me. I began to be careless towards myself and
my school work, but the only thing that helped me was
the Lord, and a teacher at my school and a friend. I was
a bully at school and I did not care. The Peer
Education Programme changed me in many ways and
now I know that I am going to rise above my
circumstances".
Graduation Story...
One of our young men spent 3 years with the
Programme and was nominated as best student of the
year. He was 18 years old and a grade 12 student at
Macassar Secondary school. He had started out as a
junior peer educator, very quiet and shy.
In his second year he began to enjoy the sessions and
showed great potential, proving his leadership skills and
abilities as a public speaker at school assemblies. He
represented his school at functions such as the
Siyabulela event were the Premier was impressed by the
performance of the peer educators at school and in their
communities.
Our young man was awarded best student of his final
year and received five diplomas and seven trophies.
Letter from a Stakeholder...
I moved from the UK after more than 20 years in the
corporate world to Somerset West, South Africa, in
August 2004 with my wife and two daughters. As a
family we wanted to be involved in making a difference.
Having completed 3 months community development
training, I started to investigate what was happening
locally. One of the first projects that I came across was
Ukuthasa, implementing the GOLD Peer Education
programme.
I was impressed by a number of things. Firstly, the
programme was targeting one of the most challenging
age groups of South African society; the youth.
Secondly, the vision of helping young people to help
themselves, and then others, really appealed to me.
Thirdly, the toolbox and the GOLD model they were
using was tried and tested, and was delivering
measurable success. Another critical success factor for
me was the impressive return on investment. So, if we
supported Ukuthasa, they were then able to develop
Peer Educators who in turn influenced other learners
and through them, their communities. The principal of
multiplication was really good.The final thing which
stood out for me was the way that the learners were
engaged over a period of three years , not just for a
once off occasion. I knew that it was this long term
relational approach that would help the programme to
succeed in a significant way. Five years later, they are
still doing great work and have been able to expand into
other schools. It's been exciting and encouraging to
witness first-hand what Ukuthasa have been able to
achieve!
Community Development Coordinator, Helderberg
Transformation Network.
Success Stories
© Ukuthasa 2007 | Charity Registration Number: 1055539
Peer Education positivity
Ukuthasa supports
Emyezweni School that not
only supports the education of
the children of Lwandle, but
also has a positive influence in
the community.
How you can help
If you would like to make
a difference in the lives of
the people we support,
contact us. No matter how
small the amount, every
donation makes a positive
impact.