HIV/AIDS Training of Trainers

At the end of August, Blake and I facilitated a two day HIV/AIDS Training of Trainers. I wrote a grant back in May for USAID and received funds for the training materials. After more planning and networking, the Dept. of Health offered to sponsor the training, paying fully for the venue, accommodation, and food, as well as providing the technical expertise of the Regional HIV/AIDS Coordinator. Forty-one participants from Cebu City & Lapu-Lapu City attended the activity, coming from fifteen different community organizations and groups. Teachers, student government presidents, health workers, youth council representatives, CHAT (Community Health Action Team) leaders, LGU workers, Euphrasia staff, and PCV/counterpart pairs were amongst the participants. The training got a late start, even for Filipino time, but was made up for by the enthusiasm and interest of the participants.

Blake's session debunking facts & myths about HIV/AIDS

Providing a global perspective on the number of HIV cases

The training consisted of sixteen sessions covering the origin of HIV to the immune system to human rights to prevention and advocacy efforts. Interactive information sessions were conducted along with games so the participants could best re-teach the information in a fun, effective manner. Most sessions went by without hiccups, some filled with laughs, others with shock and uncertainty.

Tyler helping with a session defining HIV & AIDS

"Wildfire," an activity demonstrating the spread of the HIV virus

The number of HIV/AIDS cases in the Philippines is small, yet the percentage of new cases each year is increasing exponentially. Other countries advocate for testing and knowing one’s status, the Philippines is less progressed. The general community lacks basic knowledge on the virus and prevention measures. The Philippines is behind, and it’s time to catch up. The training brought challenges in covering the topic of condoms. The participants understood  the need for condom use as protection (and even got to see a demonstration!), but were worried about how to best discuss condoms without being viewed as a family planning method. We discussed and compared strategies for covering the sensitive topic when out in the barrios.

In the final session, the participants split into five groups and developed plans of action for educating people in their respective communities. A fun run, symposium, essay contest, and beauty pageant were some of the creative ideas. The participants were provided with a folder of technical materials for use and reference, as well as digital copies of the presentations.

One of the groups developing their plan

The training received positive feedback verbally and on the written evaluation. In the three weeks since the training, groups are already implementing their action plans and have maintained their eagerness to teach about HIV/AIDS. I will continue to act as a resource person to the participants and look forward to seeing their great education efforts in action. 

The entire group