The DUT HIV/AIDS Centre recently held its HIV/AIDS Peer Educators’ Training Programme where students, who will act as pillars of the University’s HIV/AIDS education and awareness campaigns, were given useful training in teaching HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.
The closed event was held at the Vuleka Trust in Hillcrest.
According to Oziel Mdletshe, DUT Health Promoter and HIV/AIDS Activist, the Programme started in 2004 and 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.

“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.
The University’s HIV/AIDS Centre provides confidential HIV Testing and Counseling (HCT) to students and staff (within the institution).

Other services include awareness and education on HIV/AIDS, pre and post HIV test counseling, ongoing counseling and CD4 count testing. The Centre also offers referrals to services within DUT including to a psychologist and campus clinic as well as to external services such as a hospital and social worker.
– Sinegugu Ndlovu
Pictured: The DUT HIV/AIDS Peer Educators’ Training Programme in action.