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SECOND SUMMIT FOR YOUTHS ON HIV/AIDS DECLARED A
SUCCESS
Monday, December 5, 2005 – The National AIDS Programme Coordinator Dr. Ronald McAnaney is declaring another successful Summit for Youth on HIV/AIDS.
The second event of its kind held in the BVI drew positive comments from many of students who attended last Friday (Dec. 2).
“Students were just as open and enthusiastic this year to receive the information shared by the facilitators. They, in fact, spoke about the need to provide such a summit for parents, so they can better communicate on the issue of sex and sexually transmitted diseases with their children,” he said.
“Many students noted the importance of the Summit as an opportunity to discuss with peers and facilitators issues about sexual choices, behaviours and attitudes –- things many are unable to freely discuss with their parents,” Dr. McAnaney noted.
The Marine Centre at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College proved to be the ideal venue for more than 200 public and private secondary school students in attendance, he noted.
His Excellency the Governor and Mrs. Macan, Chief Minister Dr. the Honourable D, Orlando Smith, the Honourable Eileene Parsons and the Honourable Elmore Stoutt attended the opening ceremony. The Minister for Health and Social Development the Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton addressed the students.
Sessions which followed included discussions on the impact of gender, popular music, culture, stigma and discrimination on sexual attitudes and behaviours. All of the sessions were coordinated by local and overseas facilitators who have be trained to relate to youngsters on the issue.
The National AIDS Programme is committed to working collaboratively with the appropriate public and private sectors to follow-up on the issues and concerns presented by the students. For more information or partnership opportunities contact the National AIDS Programme at 468-0900.
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