Speaking during a closing ceremony held on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at the Teachers Resource Centre in Grand Turk, National Aids Coordinator Mrs. Aldora Robinson noted that "this process has been a three-pronged one which focused on the primary strategic areas of capacity building, operational analysis for best fit and integration into the main strategic framework of the HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan for the Turks & Caicos Islands".

She stated that the preparation of a focus plan indicated the areas that directly related to the functions of RapPort, the youth arm of the National Aids Program, and the areas they will be able to fulfill.

"We have looked at the training needs, recruitment criteria and internal structure that will keep the organization/centre operating at its optimal capacity" she stated.  "We have trained Peer Educators that have placed us in a position to have centre management that will serve the new inception group of RapPort".

Mrs. Robinson further revealed that the National Aids Program envisions a very robust, productive, innovative and creative body that will produce the messages required to address issues as it relates to youth.

Hon. Royal Robinson, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, told the students that it was enlightening to see them participating in such a workshop. 

"You're the future of our country so it is therefore important for all of us to make sure that you have the right tools and skills to move forward in this country".

Describing the workshop as a step in the right direction he told the students that it was vital that they partake in this country's development.

Under Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services, Mr. Earle Fulford stated that he was fascinated to see so many young people in attendance. "You are peer educators and role models for the rest of the young people of this country" he stated.  "I believe that the whole topic of building the capacity of young people is to use you as the mouthpiece to speak to your fellow youths'.

He continued "As young people you're faced with a lot of challenges whether psychological, biological or social.  If you build and strengthen yourselves and demand the respect you deserve from society, if your future is already planned then I can only implore you to stay the course.

Mr. Salorne McDonald, Workshop Facilitator and Behaviour Change Communications Consultant, said that his assessment revealed that general knowledge levels regarding HIV/AIDS and sexual safety to the wider public remains a challenge here in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

He added that challenges of attitude with stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV/AIDS also needed a booster.

McDonald noted that despite this they found a committed group of young people who were willing to face these challenges head on.  "The ability of all you young people to generate the kind of messages your colleagues and comrades need to heat was fantastic.  You are definitely up to the challenge".

He urged stakeholders to lend their support to the efforts of these young people for their continued training, their continued involvement and development and also to their commitment to fight HIV/AIDS here in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Some of the goals achieved at the workshop included:

·        A document on areas of strategic focus following a review of the Strategic HIV/AIDS plan for the Turks & Caicos Islands.

·        A Training Manual inclusive of information and engagement strategies

·        A Training Report on the capacity building process of the educators

·        A Sustainability Strategy for the RapPort youth drop in and education centres.

END.

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