August 22, 2017: On July 28, 2017, approximately forty youth and young adults from various institutions and youth programmes across the country gathered at the Barataria Oval, 6th Avenue Barataria, for a fun-filled and interactive HIV Out-of-School Quiz, which was hosted by the HIV/AIDS Unit of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services. Now in its 7th year, the annual HIV-Based Activity is designed to educate and sensitize young adults on issues related to HIV/AIDS in an educational and fun-filled learning environment.
This year’s Quiz focused on the dangers of risky sexual behaviour, transmission and prevention of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections; as well as proper condom use and other HIV/AIDS-related topics. Two weeks prior to the Quiz, participants of the aforementioned institutions received a user friendly booklet on HIV and AIDS from which they were to prepare.
On the day of the event, teams proceeded to complete an obstacle course which tested their knowledge of the information provided. The obstacle course tested, not only the participants’ physical abilities, but also their ability to function effectively as a team and their knowledge of HIV/AIDS. The obstacle course challenged the participants’ dexterity, coordination and mental skills.
Local television personality and Radio Broadcaster, Hans Desvignes hosted the quiz, fully engaging participants which comprised youths attached to the Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force, the MIC Institute of Technology – Multi Sector Skills Training (MuST) and National Skills Development Programme and the Trinidad Youth Council and the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA).
The HIV Out-of-School Quiz was developed as part of a national response that speaks to the continued education and sensitization of young persons between the ages of 15 and 21yrs, to encourage behaviour change and address the factors that may contribute to their increased vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.
The Ministry of Social Development and Family services was pleased conduct this initiative through its HIV Coordinating Unit, for another year as it seeks to fulfil its mandate to help…, empower…, (and) transform lives whilst fostering teamwork and leadership among our youth.
The evaluation administered at the end of the quiz, revealed that the average HIV knowledge score of the participants was at 78%.
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For more information:
Ministry of Social Development and Family Services