Educating Ugandan Youth About HIV/AIDS

Children working on a coloring activity at a youth empowerment group session.

Many African nations continue to be impacted by the spread of HIV/AIDS, particularly among the most vulnerable and marginalized individuals and families. Health care services can be overrun by the numbers of individuals affected.

In Uganda, ST. FRANCIS HEALTH CARE SERVICES has been in the forefront of providing services. This organization is part of the Nile AIDS Project, which operates out of the US and provides both technical and financial support. By operating in the US, NILE AIDS PROJECT makes it easier for US donors to contribute funds.



Back in 2013, Caitlin Costello worked with St. Francis as a Peace Corps volunteer in Jinja, Uganda. She had a background in youth development and education, so she focused on developing a peer education workshop. Youth leaders were first trained in various areas, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, goal-setting, leadership skills, reproductive process and health, hygiene, community development, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurial skills.

As soon as the first workshop sessions were completed, leaders were so enthusiastic that they went back to their communities and started immediately to work with the youth groups, utilizing such skills as ice-breakers and providing basic game structure. One pair even undertook teaching about puberty and personal hygiene. Caitlin shared her passion for her new program, "[This youth community] can be role models for their peers and be empowered to make smart choices that will help them reach their goals. As we all realize, the youth are our future, but we have to empower them NOW, because the future is NOW." The key to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS is in education, especially the young. Their parents' generation has been decimated by AIDS and its effects. As they are growing up, many have had to assume parental roles in their families, as their parents need more care, and when they die, these youth care for younger siblings. When they learn how HIV is spread, then they can actively work to prevent its spread in their own lives and that of their families.

That fits in well with the mission of St. Francis, which works to treat HIV/AIDS, but also focuses on preventing its spread. This organization has had to step in and offer various supports to youth, who have lost the functional abilities of their parents. Some may be lucky enough to have the support of their grandparents, but many are on their own. St. Francis helps with school expenses, mentoring programs, treating and rehabilitating children who are HIV+, and offering a comprehensive program that bolsters vulnerable households.

A fair held by St. Francis to help engage local youth.

The addition of educated youth leaders and, now, educated youth, has increased the reach of St. Francis' programs. With educated youth comes the ability to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among those who have no signs of the disease.

A large group in an activity at the Great Geeration in Laswap.

Thanks to this article from Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/caitlin-costello-st-francis-health-center-jinja-uganda/; and the above link.

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