Peer Education Programme
One of A-Z’s partner organisations, The UPA (Ugandan Pioneer Association) is implementing this project. Peer Education is essential in primary schools as once children, especially girls, start developing physically they are approached by older adults. The ‘girl child’ is particularly vulnerable once she starts reaching adolescence. Older boys and even teachers can put pressure on these girls to have sexual intercourse in exchange for ‘gifts’, i.e. money towards school fees, books, a soda. Girls have been brought up with an inferiority complex in Uganda and have been taught that men are superior to women. Many girls feel that their only chance of survival is to get a man. Unfortunately girls are more prone to HIV due to an immature reproductive system. Rape is common and due to a lack of support or referral services the attacker usually goes unpunished. As girls can start puberty as young as 10 and the fact that there are many 10-14 year olds still in school, A-Z decided to target primary schools with peer education.
Impact
- Peer education clubs established in 8 primary schools
- 12 outreaches involving UPA peer education trainers throughout the year
- Noticeable improvement of knowledge and awareness and ability to discuss issues surrounding HIV/ AIDS, reproductive health to pupils amongst teachers.
