Peer Educators working within the University’s HIV/AIDS Centre as volunteers have entrenched themselves as the pillars of the University’s HIV/AIDS education and awareness campaigns over the past eight years.

1. On Thursday next week (October 18, 2012), these selfless students will be awarded for their hard work and dedication in the fight against HIV/AIDS in a ceremony to be held at the DUT Hotel School, Ritson Campus. DramAidE Director Mkhonzeni Gumede will be the guest speaker. DramAidE is a non-profit organisation that uses drama to critically engage young people to communicate effectively about issues about sex, sexuality and HIV/AIDS.

DUT DVC: Academic Professor Nomthandazo Gwele as well as representatives from the eThekwini Municipality’s Health Department and the KZN Health Department have been invited to attend the event.

A total of 28 Peer Educators who are completing their second year in the Programme will receive certificates. Of these, 20 will be awarded with a Certificate of Appreciation while eight will be given the Award of Excellent Commitment to the Programme.

Oziel Mdletshe, DUT Health Promoter and HIV/AIDS Activist said the Programme started in 2004, adding that as from 2011, the Centre took a decision to keep these students in the Programme for two years before awarding them with certificates of appreciation.

He said this year’s awards are special because the Centre will be acknowledging students who have shown commitment and have contributed positively to the Programme without compromising their studies.

“Peer Educators (are) a group of students trained on HIV/AIDS related issues and are given skills to facilitate workshops or dialogues and organise awareness campaigns on campus. The Peer Education Programme contributes towards the promotion of healthy practices and behavioural change through peer education (by) providing educational sessions to residence students through participatory and interactive methodology to educate students on HIV/AIDS. Peer Educators also assist in all HIV/AIDS campaigns organised by the DUT HIV/AIDS Centre throughout the year. The programme creates a platform for students to talk about HIV related issue on campus, to reduce the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS, to contribute (to) HIV prevention and create a safe space for students living with HIV on campus,” said Mdletshe.

He said the year 2012 has been a busy year for the educators, adding that they have worked extremely hard to contribute towards the achievement of the Centre’s aims and objectives of the Programme.

– Sinegugu Ndlovu

Caption: DUT Drama studies students during a HIV/AIDS awareness drive on campus in 2010. The event was part of the Peer Educators Programme.