In observance of World AIDS Day
The launching of the Education Sector Simplified Policy on School Health, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS was yesterday at the centre of a programme of activities staged by the Ministry of Education in observance of World AIDS Day. Held at the Queen’s College Auditorium under the theme: “Change begins with Me”, the event attracted the participation of several secondary schools from around the city, with special guest artistes teaming up to make the programme a resounding success.

Students gathered at the Queen’s College Auditorium for the Ministry of Education’s World AIDS Day programme yesterday.

Delivering HIV/AIDS related messages to the students were Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy and Programme Manager of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat, Dr Shanti Singh, who both admonished the youths to make the right choices and not allow themselves to become involved in drug and alcohol use, which can also make them vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

Among the talented artistes adding to the variety to the programme was a youth delegation from the visiting Logos Hope Educational Charity Ship who used drama in interesting ways to enlighten the students to lead positive lifestyles and engage in behaviour change so as to negate the possibility of putting themselves at risk.

Members of the Logos Hope Delegation in an interactive session – Match the Greeting Flag, with the students.

Using a very timely reminder that “The choices you make have consequences”, the team, headed by John Benn of South Africa, was able to make a positive impact on the participating students during the highly interactive sessions.

Other activities staged by the Logos Hope delegation included: Testimonies, Games, Challenge; Commitment to Purity; Select HIV/AIDS stories, and the sharing of information about the Logos Hope and the crew’s vision of Hope for young people in the countries they visit. Local artistes on the programme included Circle of Love (Male Quartet) and St. John’s College Theater Arts Class.

Meanwhile, Principal of the School of Nations, Dr Brian O’Toole, who is also Education Psychologist (Technical Vocation and Secondary Schools) conducted a Behaviour Change Workshop. There was also a drawing competition for primary schools on the lawns of Queen’s College.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Dr Desrey Fox, who launched the Simplified Education Sector Policy on School Health, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS Document, explained that the original document was not written in the kind of language that would be easily grasped by the average person, and it became necessary to have a simpler version.

Members of the Logos Hope team headed by John Benn (at right in front row) sporting Ministry of Education’s World AIDS Day jerseys.

She said this involved consultation with the World Bank, and inputs from a very strong local team, including the Ministry of Education.

And as outlined in the preface, “ The booklet is intended to be an easy-to-use education and reference tool for Guyana’s education sector – both formal and informal, and public and private. Its simplified content will allow for easier assimilation of the policy, and, consequently, greater understanding of individual, institutional and organisational rights and obligations.”

The booklet was designed primarily for students, teachers, managers, employers, and other providers of education and training in educational institutions in Guyana.
At the end of the launch, copies were made available to interested persons.