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KSPGKS: An Innovative Campaign to Raise Awareness Among Young People Against HIV/AIDS
KSPGKS: An Innovative Campaign to Raise Awareness Among Young People Against HIV/AIDS
  • December 21, 2024
  • | 0

KSPGKS: An Innovative Campaign to Raise Awareness Among Young People Against HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS remains a major threat to public health, especially among young people in Haiti. Faced with this reality, LEAD-ACADEMY, an organization founded in December 2020 by Dwinny Belval, has committed itself through the project “KANPAY SANSIBILIZASYON POU GOUMEN KONT VIH/SIDA” (“Awareness Campaign to Combat HIV/AIDS”). This initiative, launched as part of World HIV/AIDS Day, aims to mobilize Carrefour schoolchildren and promote responsible behavior in the face of this epidemic.

LEAD-ACADEMY: A Mission Dedicated to Leadership and Good Governance

LEAD-ACADEMY: A Mission Dedicated to Leadership and Good Governance

LEAD-ACADEMY is dedicated to the training and intellectual awakening of young Haitians, guiding them towards holistic development to transform them into responsible leaders. With a vision of sustainable development, this organization focuses on awareness and action to address major issues, such as the fight against HIV/AIDS.

De gauche a droite - Dr Chery et Dr BernadinDe gauche a droite - Dr Chery et Dr Bernadin

The KSPGKS Project: Objectives and Structure

The KSPGKS initiative was marked by two major activities: a launch conference and an awareness campaign in secondary schools in Carrefour.

A. Launch Conference (December 1, 2024)
The conference was held at the Emmanuel Charlemagne Municipal Cultural Center and brought together nearly 100 participants from various backgrounds. Two speakers, Dr. Schaïdhen Chery and Dr. Frantz Bernadin, respectively discussed medical advances and the role of communities in combating stigma. Guests included representatives from the Carrefour City Hall and local figures, accompanied by a musical performance by the artist Loupens Privert.

B. School Awareness Campaign (December 2-6, 2024)
Interactive sessions were organized for secondary school students. Led by health personnel and experts, these activities included discussions on prevention, demonstrations on the use of condoms and lubricants, and the distribution of educational brochures. In total, more than 300 young people were reached.

Background and Importance of the Campaign

Background and Importance of the Campaign

According to Christian Mouala, Director of UNAIDS, HIV/AIDS infections are experiencing a worrying increase among young Haitians aged 15 to 24. This increase is exacerbated by the intensification of gang activities and a lack of accurate information. Persistent stigma and misinformation are major obstacles to prevention and care.

Faced with these challenges, KSPGKS was designed to:
- Break the taboos surrounding HIV/AIDS.
- Promote responsible behavior.
- Educate young people on means of prevention and access to care.

Key Results and Impact

Key Results and Impact

- Direct impact: More than 300 young schoolchildren made aware in five days.
- Change in posture: A better understanding of the issues related to HIV/AIDS and an increased interest in screening.
- Strengthening collaborations: Partnerships established with schools and local/international organizations.

Directeur General de la Mairie de Carrefour (M. Zavier Junior Degand)Directeur General de la Mairie de Carrefour (M. Zavier Junior Degand)

Partners and Supporters

This project was made possible thanks to the support of several institutions and individuals, including:
- Emmanuel Charlemagne Municipal Cultural Center
- Carrefour City Hall
- FOSREF
- U-report by UNICEF
- Various schools
- Project ambassadors
- Various health professionals and local organizations.

Conference / Festival Quatre Chemins / 21st edition

The impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people in Port-au-Prince While writers, actors, dancers, poets, among others, have gratified us with their performances, the master’s degree student in psychology at the Faculty of Human Sciences (FASCH), Lourdya Blaise, spoke with the audience about trauma. Structured around the theme "Youth and Trauma, analysis of the impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people living in Port-au-Prince between 2010-2024", this conference gave rise to enriching discussions. During this meeting, moderated by Michaël Formilus, Ms. Blaise showed how the events that have taken place in the country have caused cases of trauma among Haitians. According to the student, citing the American Psychological Association, we speak of trauma as a consequence of trauma. The latter is explained by the fact that we feel threatened, whether it is the person in question or their loved ones. However, she specifies that a collective trauma remains depending on the impact that the event has on the individual. To illustrate her remarks, she mentioned the earthquake of January 12, 2010, considered a collective trauma, insofar as it still occupies our minds. This tragedy reminds us of the disappearance of our loved ones and enormous losses. This is the case of a trauma that becomes a collective trauma. For the student, it should be emphasized that when an event occurs, some people are traumatized and others are not. According to him, the violence of armed gangs is not perceived in the same way, says Ms. Blaise. There are people who have fled their homes but are not traumatized. In fact, some people see traumatic situations as a passing event, she says. The speaker also spoke about collective trauma, which, according to him, preoccupies the mind, even if we no longer experience it. It manifests itself in several forms: lack of sleep, fear psychosis, intrusive thoughts, intense heartbeat, etc. Generally, symptoms related to trauma are hard to die. When it persists, it becomes acute stress. To deal with it, we must talk to other people. If the situation persists, acute stress turns into a phase of post-traumatic stress; in this case, we must confide in a trusted person or go see a mental health specialist, she advises. In her presentation, Lourdya Bazile also drew attention to the psychological state of children in these times. According to the presenter, children are also facing this crisis situation, even if they do not talk about it to their parents. As much as adults, children also plan their future. Faced with flouted school years, they become pensive and worried, she stressed. They withdraw. The child who used to be brilliant can become violent and perform less well at school. Parents are called upon to listen to them and understand them. A good moment of exchange, rich in practical advice. The audience participated fully. In turn, the presenter invites them to breathe better and meditate. "We live in a country where worries mix, we must take time for ourselves, do sports, eat well, make sure that the sleeping space is clean and take time for ourselves. There is more than one way to find calm," recalls the psychologist. Gertrude Jean-Louis

Perspectives

Perspectives

KSPGKS is a powerful example of how community initiatives can transform mindsets and encourage responsible behavior. By mobilizing young people and establishing strategic partnerships, LEAD-ACADEMY demonstrates that the fight against HIV/AIDS is a key priority for Haiti’s future.

To learn more or collaborate with LEAD-ACADEMY, contact:
Dwinny Belval (Chief Executive Officer)
Email: dwinnyobelval@gmail.com
Phone: +509 4749-5132
Website: https://leadacademyul.com

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Appolon Guy Alain

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