REPORT ON RYOPH AWARENESS RALLY ON 26 TH JULY 2007
As part of the strategies to create awareness for the July 27 th BCC seminar for youths within the community, a community rally was carried out within the community by members of the organization as well as volunteers on the 26 th of July 2007.
The rally which was carried out wit local drums attracted the attention of motorists and market traders and had a road-side drama as side attraction, it featured distribution of IEC materials – 10 reasons why I chose to delay till married, mosquito do not carry AIDS, practical advice on HIV/AIDS & SEX and living positively. The rally also featured the sales of water guards to which more than 2 crates of water guard we went out with was not enough for the rally, also some SFH staffs supported us with their presence and vehicle as backup. Prior to this rally the organization hosted the MAKE WE TALK road show team who came for a rally in the community to give us stronger backup.
In summary, awareness on the organization and its activities increased as well as the products it markets.
REPORT ON THE PARTICIPATION IN THE NOWA PROGRAMME ON AIDS CONTROL
As part of our commitment and contribution to a society that is well informed in reproductive health, the organization actively participated in the just concluded Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) programme on AIDS control on the 28 th of July 2007 in Port Harcourt .
The programme which was targeted at increasing the Naval officers response to both HIV infected and affected officers and the need for abstinence and faithfulness to their uninfected partner saw the members of organization act on abstinence and the ills of stigmatization.
The first drama which featured 3 characters stressed on the need to show concern, care/support for PLWHA around us since we do not know who might be the next victim, by this they displayed normal ways to care for PLWHA without getting the virus. The drama lasted for 15 minutes.
The second drama stressed on the need to be educated, showing that when people (youths and adults) are ignorant they can be enticed and influenced into behaviors that expose them to STIs , it showed that having an understanding of the consequences of unprepared and unprotected sex, people would learn to abstain. This second drama which featured 4 characters was targeted towards young adults and also lasted for 15 minutes.
As part of its objectives to help young people build self esteem the organization decided to use some of the volunteer(s) to play some of the major characters in these dramas, acting before the chief of naval staff and other high ranking naval officers gave them a sense of belonging and increased value since every one is made to believe that they can participate in any activity.
In summary, participating in this programme gave the organization a boost as it helped us show case part of our commitment to both our community and the society at large.
JULY BCC SEMINAR FOR YOUTHS
As one of the major activities in July, a behavior change communication seminar with the topic; THE CONCEPT OF POSITIVE LIVING, was held on the 27th of July 2007 at #2 Ohakwe street Rumuchiorlu. The seminar which was targeted towards young people had 26 youths in attendance.
The aim of this seminar was to enlighten youths to have the mindset of improved self-living standard, and to help young people improve assertiveness to risk behaviors.
The resource persons for the seminar were the secretary and the president of the organization. The president spoke of positive living as a way of life realizing the susceptibility of the society to diseases. “It is a mindset of knowing those behaviors that exposes you to sexually transmitted diseases”, he said. He also spoke on the need for a change of attitude stressing that the risk of acquiring HIV is first personal and could affect anybody who exposes him/herself to unsafe/risky behaviors especially when one is unable to abstain, practice safer sex or not bold enough to be clear about the limits to his/her body.
The president emphasized the need for HCT, saying that it would help such individuals make better choices about their health whether tested positive or negative and also the need to join support groups to help manage ones life better without the fear of stigmatization if positive.
For those who are positive or may later know their status, if they test positive that it’s not the end of their lives since they can live positively like every other individual as they would be referred to places where they can get treatment care and support etc., he also stressed on eating balanced diet for good health and exercise to help the body, and more importantly accepting their status in good fate so they can be morally and mentally stable to take the right decision. He also talked about opportunistic infections that may occur from time to time to prevent and take care of them.
In summary he let the attendees know that HIV is an opportunistic predator which take advantage of peoples ignorance to bring them down and advised that people should know their status early enough to take the right step.
REPORT ON RYOPH INAUGURATION/ LAUNCHING
The organization Rumuchiorlu Youths Organization for Positive Health (RYOPH) was officially inaugurated/launched on the 22nd of June 2007.
The Inauguration/ Launching for which advocacy visits as well as publicity were carried out in some companies, police stations, faith based organizations (churches) and the media within and outside the community had in attendance the paramount ruler of Rumuchiorlu His Royal Highness Eze Engr. B.A. Worgu Eze chiorlu the V11, chief G. Masari, Enyi Oha 1 of Rumuchiorlu, the SFH south south zonal manager, Mr Onoriode Eziri, and other SFH representatives, Dr C.N Oke, represented by the Mr Paulinus Nsirim the information officer State Action Committee on Aids (SACA) now the chief press secretary to the governor, Rivers State. Mr Eric Shu, Action Aids International zonal coordinator south south. Mr Bright Tamunoala, Community Based Organization for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria Coordinator (CiSHAN), reporter from Surveillance Newspaper, Mr Frank Ahaotu, the members of our board of trustees and influencers, community chiefs, women groups, other organizations within and outside the community and youths
The president of the organization Mr Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Worgu in his welcome address reiterated the background, vision, mission and objectives of the organization as well as the strategies for targeted development with young adults and parents as our major focus and also the role and need for finances calling on donors for financial support towards the effective implementation of our work and action plan.
The expectations of the members were not cut short as the organization received donated items like money, computer set with internet facility, Printers, scanner, starcomms telephone, generator set, chairs and tables, for comfortable working system and motivate members as well as access and opportunity for international partnership and recognition.
In summary, the occasion was a remarkable success and our guests left with the right impression as expressed in their speeches during and after the occasion.
REPORT ON RYOPH JULY SEMINAR FOR MEMBERS
As part of the motivational strategies to reequip members with relevant knowledge in running a CBO effectively, a 2 day in-house seminar for members of the organization was held on the 11 th and 12 th of July in RYOPH office.
The aim of the in-house seminar for those members who could not attend the capacity building workshop held in SFH office and to refresh the knowledge of those who attended on how to run an office system efficiently for effective and better working relationship among members of the organization.
The topic for day one was Efficient Office Administrative System. The resource person for the seminar was the president of the organization, he taught that an office is efficient if there is proper management of people (visitors), information and resources (monetary and non monetary resources) these he said are the major functional strength of an organization, the duties of the secretary, P.R.O., and the provost were outlined. He also emphasized on how to manage office equipments, visitors and keep files.
The topic for day two was Financial Accounting/Book keeping, the president who was also the resource person elaborated the importance of record keeping, he asked the attendees for further reasons and most of the response majored on accountability and transparency. We were also taught how to use bank accounts, using and filling cheque requisition slip when necessary, how to keep daily records using the receipt book and petty cash voucher where and when necessary. The prudent duties of the financial secretary and treasurer were out-lined, the facilitator emphasized on how to make sure money is secure. We also knew who to meet when money is needed to buy any item for the organization, day two recorded an increase of about 6 persons increasing attendance. Opportunity for questions were given and the few questions asked were answered by the resource person for the seminar, the members also expressed appreciation for the seminar topics but wondered why there was no refreshment.
In summary the seminar was a success as members' working relationship has improved and also care towards office equipment and a better financial record is being kept.
Challenges:
Lack of refreshment
Lateness by some members
Emmanuel C. Worgu Maxwell Ahunanyah
President Secretary General
REPORTS ON AUGUST 2007 ACTIVITIES
HIV COUNSELING AND TESTING (HCT) TRAINING
RYOPH participated in a HIV Counseling and Testing training organized by SFH in collaboration with the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHV-N) and Aids Care and Treatment in Nigeria (ACTION) in Benin City , Edo state.
The training which lasted for two weeks (12th- 25th August 2007) added positively to the institutional strength of the organization.
CREATING DEMAND FOR HCT
RYOPH carried out a sensitization programme on the need for HCT within the community on 30th August 2007, the sensitization was necessitated by the HCT training which offered the opportunity for FREE HIV counseling and testing within the community, awareness for the demand was carried out in the community, women meeting and the market place but had more of youths in attendance. The resource person for the sensitization who was one of those trained as a HCT counselor spoke on the need to know one's status, that it helps you prepare for the life ahead, he also emphasized on the individuals consent and confidentiality of the result as well as places were treatment are available incase of positive cases, he also stressed on opportunistic infections etc.
Challenges; Reaching the men was difficult since there is hardly an opportunity to reach the men in their numbers, besides most men are not always available.
REPORT ON RSTV ADVOCACY VISIT
In a bid to improve media support for the organization, RYOPH paid an advocacy visit to the management of Rivers State Television (RSTV) in Port Harcourt on the 30th of August 2007.
The president and some members of the organization who were present took time to acquaint the management with the mission and objectives of the organization as well as the necessity of the visit which was to partner with the management of the station for media support (telecast and HIV jingles) on the state television as part of their contribution in encouraging behavior change, facts about HIV and stigma reduction through the State television.
Receiving the members of the organization were Mr. Peters, the Deputy Director advert and Mrs. Agatha Kala-dokubo on behalf of the management who welcomed the visit and really appreciated the efforts towards our achievements. Mrs. Agatha added that the management would invite us the following week (Wednesday 5th September 2007) for an interview for a television programme, she also added that further negotiations would be made to see how they can give us opportunity for jingles.
The president of the organization appreciated their support and willingness to partner with the organization as an encouragement. There was distribution of IEC materials and calendars to the staffs.
RYOPH SEPTEMBER 2007 REPORTS
RSTV TELECAST
As a result of the advocacy to Rivers State Television (RSTV) Port Harcourt , the management invited RYOPH on Wednesday the 5th of September for a discussion on HIV/AIDS for telecast on the State T.V. to create awareness as promised by Mrs. Agatha Kala-dokubo during the courtesy visit. The discussion which lasted for 30 minutes was moderated by Miss Nengi Holliday the presenter Youth Circle programme showing every Monday by 2 pm on RSTV. She asked of the vision, mission and objectives of the organization as well as the message the organization has for youths and the society at large.
Representing the organization was the President Mr. Emmanuel C. Worgu, the financial secretary Miss Victoria Daniel and the P.R.O. Mr. Ogbonda Worgu. The President took time to emphasize on Promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS, the youths development plans in the proposals and the free HCT available as well as the means of sustainability for the organization. The programme was shown on the State T.V. on 10th September. We have had people join the organization as volunteers as a result of the increased awareness within the State. We expect further negotiations for jingles.
HCT- HIV Counseling and Testing
On the 10 th and 11 th of September RYOPH hosted HEART to HEART (SFH) HCT exercise in her site. The organization was privileged to have one of its members as one of the counselors during the HCT in her site. The testing was also carried out in Rumuchiorlu Rumuokwurusi Motor Park within our site on 13 th and 14 th September.
IEC materials were distributed, PLWHA are guarded and referred to care and support centers. Public response to HCT has increased as we create demand for HCT in all our activities.
SENSITIZATION IN CHURCH OF GOD MISSION RUMUOKWURUSI (FBO)
RYOPH was invited to deliver a health talk on HIV/AIDS, as part of the youths programme tagged THE SONS WEEK of the above mentioned church on Friday the 21 st of September.
The topic of the health talk was POSITIVE HEALTH. As a religious body, the resource person Mr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Worgu who was given 25 minutes started by letting them know the will of God concerning them as regards positive health and spoke on the meaning of HIV/AIDS, modes of transmission, prevention and care/support and emphasized on abstinence as no risk means of prevention. The pastor of the church was so impressed that he asked us to come back on Sunday when they would have more people. On Sunday the 23 rd of September we were given 15 minutes to address the congregation, the resource person majored on the reality of HIV/AIDS and its global effect, the need for HCT and reduction of stigmatization/discrimination as well as the need for religious bodies, community leaders etc to join force in the fight against HIV/AIDS pandemic. There was distribution of IEC materials.
YOUTHS SENSITIZATION
RYOPH was invited by Rumuwene Social Club of Ikwerre, a youth club, to speak on the facts about HIV/AIDS in their one day seminar with the theme: YOUTHS AS PARTNERS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, on the 29 th of September.
The resource persons for the seminar were Maxwell A. and Emmanuel C. Worgu. Firstly Maxwell spoke on HIV/AIDS mode of transmission, prevention and care/support for PLWHA, pointing out the effects of poverty as a factor, and alcohol/wild partying, negative peer influence and seductive dressing as some of the habits that leads to risk behaviors which makes young people vulnerable, he also added that engaging in self/career development and enlightenment activities would help them plan the future they look forward to. It was a question and answer sessions and the questions asked were not beyond our capacity so they were clearly addressed.
The next resource person spoke on the importance of HCT, the predominant age/most at risk group as youths and reduction of stigma and discrimination as well as the need to embrace education, he advised young people to know their status so they can easily adopt/adapt behavior change.
FAMILY PLANNING/CHILD SPACING
RYOPH had two of its members Maxwell Ahunanyah and Vivian Michael trained on Family Planning/Child Spacing by SFH in SFH office on 22 nd September. At the end of the one day training participants were given a manual to help them facilitate IPCs as well as report people's response to FP.
P M&E
RYOPH conducted a Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation in her site on the 27 th of September, the PM&E for which materials and financial support was given by SFH was held for MOSY, FOSY and FSWs within her site.
The P M&E had a total of 23 persons (9 MOSYs, 7 FOSYs and 7 FSWs).
SEMINAR FOR MEMBERS
RYOPH organized a seminar for her members as part of September 2007 programme in our work plan to keep members motivated and ready for the challenges ahead. The organization decided that ten of her members would handle each topic to improve the capacity and skills of members in outside engagement\Seminars as resource personnel.
SCHOOL SENSITISATION PROGRAMME
RYOPH started her school sensitization programme by sending out letters to six (6) Secondary Schools in Rumuokwurusi community and also as part of advocacy, RYOPH representatives met with the schools management to let them know the importance of reaching the students especially in the area of abstinence. Dates were chosen on when to carryout the programme in October.
OCTOBER 2007 REPORTS
School Sensitization
RYOPH carried out a school sensitization to Flolidid international college on the 5th of October after an advocacy visit to some of the school principals within our project site. The outreach targeted in-school youth and the discussion majored Goal setting, Values, Attitude and assertiveness as they relate to Teenage/Unwanted Pregnancy and HIV/AIDS.
HCT in Opuru-ama
RYOPH's Counselors on HCT in collaboration with Society for Family Health (SFH) and Rivers state Faith Based Organization carried out an HIV Counseling and Testing in Opuru-ama community an island in the creeks in Asari-toru L.G.A in Rivers state. The HCT was a success as community response was impressing.
Seminar for Members
The organization continued her seminar where ten of her members were given a topic each to facilitate. This was to help improve members' capacity and teaching skills and to keep members abreast with the mission and objectives of the organization.
Family Planning (FP/IPC)
The organization started her family planning interpersonal communication within her project site this month. The resource persons recorded impressive response from people reached.
Achievements: school; About100 in-school youths were reached. We recorded success as the questions asked showed that the students understood the topic and the session was an eye opener to most of them as well as clarity on certain misconceptions about sex.
HCT; On the Opuru-ama HCT, a total of 15 persons were tested, and the larger members of the community were counseled.
FP; A total of 46 persons including men women boys and girls were reached.
Challenges: school: We only distributed the few Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials we had but they were not enough. No picture was taken because we had no access to a camera for the programme since the organization does not have a digital camera.
HCT : Paddling across the creeks on local boat.
FP : Overcoming people's reaction to failure of some of the methods in the past. Some people think some FP providers are not qualified which leads to failure of some methods and inaccessibility of effective FP services and facilities within the area.
RYOPH NOVEMBER 2007 REPORT
BCC SEMINAR FOR YOUTHS
In line with the activity in our action plan for November. RYOPH carried out her seminar for youths and rally on the 20 th of November. The community rally which featured Exp. Momentum (SFH make we talk road show team) was a means of publicizing the BCC seminar.
Objective:
As the last BCC seminar for the 2007, RYOPH used the opportunity to conduct her M&E to find out how the previous BCC seminar and other programmes for out-of-school youths has affected the peers so far, what they like and dislike about the programme and how they can contribute to the success of upcoming activities. The president then emphasized on HCT the need to join RYOPH in reaching the wider community and involvement in all RYOPH programmes from planning to implementation.
Achievements:
Increase in number of volunteers
Increased response to HCT
Increased awareness, young people are adopting changes to risk behaviors and practices.
The seminar recorded about 40 youths excluding RYOPH members, 21 persons (9 FOSY, 12 MOSY) volunteered to join the organization by filling the volunteers form. There is willingness to participate in RYOPH activities, our peers are strongly part of our drama team and they develop most of the drama concepts.
Challenges:
The few pen and hand bands (10 pens and 10 hand band) we received from SFH were not enough to encourage the participants.
SCHOOL OUTREACH
RYOPH concluded her schools outreach programme for the year with students of Sharon International Schools, Rumuokwurusi on the 23rd of November. The major topic of the outreach was GOAL SETTING; how teenage pregnancy can impair a person from achieving their goal at a set time and the need to abstain from sex, shun behaviors that could expose them to HIV/AIDS. Value, assertiveness and self esteem were also pointed out as some of the attitudes that could guide in decisin making processes in life.
Zip up books and pens received from SFH were given to pupils who asked or answered questions correctly, IEC materials (ten reasons and proactical advice on HIV/AIDS) were distributed to the students. About 120 students were reached.
RYOPH DECEMBER 2007 REPORTS
As a way of improving organizational capacity and full involvement in state programs with other NGOs. RYOPH participated in a 2 day stakeholders meeting organized by RIV-SACA for development of 2008 work plan.
RYOPH also attended a 1 day training workshop organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) annual progress review for state program committee in Rivers State on Wednesday 12 th December 2007.
RYOPH also participated in another Gender Advocacy Project organized by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with Rivers State Government. The topic for day 1 on the 13 th of December 2007 was on Gender Mainstreaming while that of day 2 on 14 th December was on Advocacy skills and Lobbying.
Representing RYOPH on these workshops was the president of the organization Mr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Worgu.
RYOPH carried out the widest community rally on the 1 st of December 2007 being the World Aids Day as part of its activities to take the lead as young people in campaigning against HIV/AIDS. The rally featured sensitization, distribution of IEC materials and other side attractions.
RYOPH also joined the Rivers State chapter of the National Youths Network on HIV/AIDS (Riv-NYNETHA) and the Rivers State Action Committee on Aids (Riv-SACA) in marking the World Aids Day organized by the Rivers State Ministry of Health on 3 rd of December 2007. RYOPH participated in SFH Heart to Heart HCT and sensitization of some of the students present on HIV/AIDS and abstinence at the venue of the campaign that began with a rally in Bori, Gokana local Government Area of Rivers State.
RYOPH DINNER/AWARD NIGHT ON 21 ST DECEMBER 2007
RYOPH organized an end of year Dinner/Award party for its members, peers/volunteers, Board of Trustees/Influencers as well as other partner NGOs and CBOs.
The award night which was RYOPH own way of appreciating the support and contributions of every member and partner had in attendance HRH Eze Engr. B.A. Worgu, JP. Eze chiorlu the VII of Rumuchiorlu amongst other community leaders, Chief Engr. G. Masari. Barr. Williams RYOPH legal adviser. Mr. Kingsley Ibibia State coordinator National Youth Network on HIV/AIDS (NYNETHA) Rivers state chapter, representatives of Society for Family Health (SFH) Nigeria, other CBOs and our Influencers to mention a few.
The award recipients were:
• Society for Family Health (SFH) Nigeria .
Best funding NGO/Partner 2007
• Chief Engr. G. Masari. Enyi Oha 1 of Rumuchiorlu
Best individual funder 2007
• The Eze and council of chiefs Rumuchiorlu community
Best supporter 2007
Receiving the award on behalf of SFH, Mrs. Mercy Momoh remarked that RYOPH emerged the best out of all the organization under SFH in Rivers State as shown by its recorded achievements within their project site and beyond.
Chief Engr. Masari expressed appreciation to the organization for its achievements in the first six months of her inauguration and gave his willingness to continue his support to the organization.
The Eze on behalf of Rumuchiorlu council of chiefs advised us not to sit on our past achievements but to explore other areas especially family planning sensitization and also try to involve more young people in our activities. We had about 65 people in attendance.
FIRST QUARTER OF 2008 REPORTS
OBJECTIVES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2008
• To review /restructure our human resource, impact made and way forward for the new year
• Carry out Family Planning (FP) Interpersonal communication
• To revisit in-school adolescents with questionnaires to assess the impact made last year
• To carryout BCC seminar and Education event for youths in Rumuchiorlu for self development and usefulness to themselves and the community at large.
• Create public awareness and carryout HIV counseling and testing HCT
Achievements
As the beginning of the year we had meetings where we reviewed our human resource, success stories/impact, past achievements and the challenges on why we could not carry out company sensitization and skills acquisition as contained in our action plan and the way forward.
Schools Outreach: We revisited two of the secondary schools where we carried out sensitization in 2007 to assess the knowledge and impact the outreach made on the students. Questionnaires on the effects of teenage pregnancy, knowledge of risk behaviors and prevention of HIV/AIDS, goal setting, self esteem/assertiveness were developed as assessment tools for the exercise. On the 7 th and 15 th of March, during inter house sports competition of two schools within our community, we distributed about 100 IEC materials and talked to some in-school youths on HIV/AIDS and abstinence as the only sure way to prevent HIV, STI's and teenage pregnancy. About 70 in school youths were reached on both days.
BCC seminar and education event: We held our seminar on the 14 th of March; the seminar which had BE WELL POSITIONED, NO TIME as its theme was targeted toward helping young people both in and out-of-school to see how they improve on themselves by focusing on things that can develop them. Speaking on the theme Mr. Kingsley Ibibia the state coordinator Riv-NYNETHA encouraged those present to stand up to their responsibilities by getting actively involved in the fight against the spread of HIV, and stigmatization and to pursue knowledge of prevention through HCT so they can be well positioned to take action concerning the future of our state.
Mr. Shedrack Bousaa, the co- presenter of ‘IT IS MY LIFE” on Treasure FM Port Harcourt, spoke on knowing what you want, what you have and where you intend to be as the three basic question every young person should ask him/herself in other to be well positioned. At the end of the seminar awards were given to 3 most outstanding volunteers for the first quarter of the year 2008. We had at total of 31 youths in attendance.
HCT: We carried out HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) in Abua where we tested 18 persons, we had 5 male with 1 positive and 13 female with no positive case. And on Wednesday 20 th February, out of the 3 persons tested within our community we had 1 positive case and 2 negative cases. The HCT for March preceded our BCC seminar; the HCT for which awareness was carried out had 21 persons tested, 13 male, 8 female, we had no positive case. We carried out HCT at the Port Harcourt prison where 43 male inmates were tested. We had 3 positive cases.
We also carried out HCT at Rumuigbo where we tested 32 persons with 2 positive cases.
Family Planning (FP); Inter-Personal Communication (IPC):
We were able to discuss with more men this month especially on what to do to avoid unprepared pregnancy and the need to go with their wives to the health centre for FP services. We also discussed with some women based on their fears of uncertainty in practicing any methods due to what they have heard, we advised that they need to go to a provider for proper advice, and the dangers of self medication of some of the methods that seems easy to use.
Success stories:
• RYOPH sensitized a total of 101 in and out-of-school male and female youths within its site for the first quarter of 2008 using IEC materials, Flip charts condoms and monthly stipends provided by the Society for Family Health (SFH).
• Our HCT counselor conducted pre and post-counseling tests on a total of 117 persons (83 male, 34 female) with 6 positive cases, at different locations in Rivers state, with test kits provided by the Society for Family Health (SFH), for the first quarter of 2008.
• Our FP IPC conductors reached a total of 188 male and female of reproductive age (102 Female, 88 Male) using a flipchart on child spacing methods and IEC materials provided by Society for Family Health (SFH), for the first quarter of 2008.
Challenges :
IEC materials distributed : A total of 83 IEC materials were distributed to the two schools and during our seminar. 12 copies of Trust Copper T it works and 10 copies of postenor2 IEC materials were distributed during FP IPC and 13 free sample condoms.
Way forward: We intend to do capacity building training for all volunteers to scale up human resource and to effectively carry out wider activities in the months ahead. We would also continue with the questionnaire exercise in the new month with the schools hoping to reach other schools. We would also show, paste and give out child spacing posters and IEC materials in the month ahead. We intend to form a listening group from the number we have in our seminar attendance. We hope to Carryout community rally to create demand and increase response to HCT and carryout other education events as well as church sensitization.
OBJECTIVES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2008
Achievements :
Film show/listening group; we received DVD's on HIV, STI's and other reproductive health issues from the Society for Family Health (SFH), which we used for film show on the 18 th of April. After viewing each drama we discussed individual understanding from the dramas communicating Abstinence, assertiveness and material favour/risk taking. The discussion was participatory and the FOSY's were more active. We had a total of 25 youths, 14 female and 11 male in attendance. Our second film show was in the month of May,
Drama Titles:
Looking for a brave man ,
Sexually transmitted marks ,
Rhythms of friendship.
We had a total of 27 persons (12 FOSY, 9 MOSY) and 6 Muslim women who watched the drama in Hausa language. We recorded more participation from FOSY.
Church outreach ; we were invited to speak on Teenage pregnancy on the 3 rd of April. We sensitized about 38 youths comprising 17 male, 21 female. The health risks, consequences and misconceptions as well as prevention of Teenage pregnancy & abortion were clearly addressed. We also emphasized on strategies to delay sex until marriage
Album launch ; We went on behalf of Society for Family Health (SFH) Port Harcourt to a music album launch on the 6 th of April, our resource person majored on HIV mode of transmission and prevention and addressed some misconceptions. We reached about 113 young people including MOSY & FOSY within the ages of 17 – 35. There was a rush for IEC materials and condoms. We distributed 127 different IEC materials and 3 packets of free sample condoms provided by SFH Port Harcourt.
Advocacy: we issued out advocacy letters on the 14 th of May to the leaders of the youth movement and town council union for advocacy and we hope to get a response from them. We also visited SACA office where they said they are aware of our programmes. An in-house meeting to plan/prepare for other advocacy visits and preparation of new work plan was held as we are about rounding up our first one year project which kicked off in June 2007- June 2008.
CONFERENCE AND TRAINING
International conference Abuja
RYOPH was opportune to participate in a 3 days international conference by the Bill and Melinda gates institute and John Hopkins University School of Public Health organized with the theme: INVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE'S HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT. “Research that improves policies and programs”. RYOPH representative Maxwell Ahunanyah was sponsored by UNFPA through Riv-NYNETHA. UNFPA took care of the conference registration, accommodation and travels to and from Abuja , Nigeria .
Trainings
• RYOPH participated in a 3 days training organized by SFH in conjuntion with USAID, IRHIN, and PPFN for Family Planning IPC conductors. RYOPH representative Vivian Michael was trained on Contraceptive Technology for Service Providers from 30th March to 2nd April.
• One of our members Emmanuel Mene participated in PEP model training organized by the Rivers state chapter of the National Youths Network on HIV/AIDS. The week long training was conducted by the Society for Family Health SFH Port Harcourt.
HCT: RYOPH in collaboration with Society for Family Health and Unique Development Foundation for Women carried out HCT in Ahoada and Degema Prisons. A total of 27 persons were tested with 15 inmates in Ahoada and 12 in Degema prisons by RYOPH counselor. There was no positive case out of the 27 persons tested by RYOPH counselor. HCT was also conducted at Okujagu where we tested 18 persons 5 male 13 female with 2 female positive cases and 3 STI cases on 24th May. On 29th May our counselor conducted HCT in Abuloma, 12 persons were tested, 6 male and 6 females with one female positive case. On the 14th of June in Alesa, 15 persons were tested, 11 male and 4 female. We had 3 positive cases: 2 male 1 female.
FP : Our FP IPC conductors reached 37 people, 16 male, 19 female in the month of April, discussing the benefits of FP, the effectiveness of the copper T, Injectables and postenor2 and referred the health centre where they can get the services. We also discouraged self medication on postenor2. For the men we encouraged visiting the health centres with their wives for proper advice. In our FP IPC for May we reached 36 persons, 14 male, 22 female. We discussed the effectiveness of Doufem, copper T, Injectables and postenor2, and the need to visit a health professional before assessing any method. We issued 3 referral cards to 3 women who promised to visit the health centre with their husbands. We collected their phone numbers for follow up. In June we started with the Muslim community within our site. Using the flip chart we discussed the benefits of FP and the effectiveness of the IUD, the Injectables, cycle beads, Postenor2 and condoms making it clear that only the correct and consistent use of condoms can reduce the risk of HIV. We revisited some of the women we have met before to follow up the referrals we made, one of them went to assess FP. We reached a total of 33 men and women of reproductive health.
SUCCESS STORIES:
• With support from Society for Family Health (SFH), our intervention in the second quarter of 2008 using youth seminars, film shows, IPCs and FGDs we reached 183 young adults with information on reproductive health, these adults have gone out reaching other young people in the wider community increasing our membership strength. We reached 106 persons of reproductive age with information on Family Planning/child spacing methods issuing referrals and successfully formed a female group on FP, and conducted HCT on 42 persons with 3 positive cases.
Emerging Issues and challenges:
Lessons Learnt : Film show
Suggestions and Way forward : We would write a proposal and budget to SFH for support in out upcoming community mobilization. We would follow up our advocacy letters hoping to get increased community support and involvement. Part of our activities would be to address stigma and gender equality.
Plans for next month and support required :
• Next month will mark the end of all RYOPH activities for one year. We would review our human resource, prepare our proposals, and plan how to work with TW's FSW's and USM. We shall continue our advocacy visits to the 3 arms of government in Rumuokwurusi community, SACA, other NGO's and companies within our site.
• We would need a vehicle for some of the advocacy, and in other ways you can help us. HCT, FP IPC, and Advocacy to stakeholders in the community for support and involvement, and planning of activities, development of new action plan and proposal for community mobilization in July. We would conclude in our meeting and write to SFH for their support.
• The organization needs a projector and digital camera for a wider community film shows and schools outreaches.
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