Latest update December 23rd, 2024 3:40 AM
Unions targeted for HIV/AIDS awareness
The workshop in session
As part of the efforts of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to expand awareness on the issue of HIV/AIDS in the workplace, several unions have been targeted for edification, a process that is being conducted with the collaboration of Artistes In Direct Support.
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) focuses mainly on helping to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with the dreaded disease and, according to Senior Trainer, Desiree Edghill, every attempt is being made to ensure that persons, particularly those in the work place, are aware that HIV/AIDS is a serious problem.
Edghill pointed out that it was recognised by ILO that there is a growing need for unions to better grasp the concept in order to help workers who could become affected or infected with the disease, thus the commencement of training workshops last week.
Among the unions involved in the novel initiative, Edghill said, are the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Labour Union (GLU).
On Monday, a session of the workshop was held at the GLU Camp Street office where some 13 participants were exposed to information intended to provide them with counselling skills which could be aptly applied in the workplace.
Mrs Edghill emphasised on the skill of listening, which she regarded as important if the process of counselling is expected to be effectively implemented.
And according to the Senior Trainer, the response level since the commencement of the workshop has proven to be quite acceptable.
“They are very willing to learn. One of the things that they had to understand first was that HIV is an issue and that they first and foremost are at risk. If you can understand your own risk only then you can be able to help others…So we started with the basic facts on HIV and explained to them that they have a role to play….”
Edghill said that in addition to communication and listening skills, the participants were enlightened on the process of peer counselling, as well as pre- and post-HIV counselling.
“This is just the beginning; they will have the skills to counsel now but when we continue they will be trained as actual peer counsellors,” Edghill informed.
Artistes in Direct Support came into being following the training of interested individuals, a process which was conducted by ILO some years ago. However, as an NGO, the entity has been receiving funding from the USAID/GHARP, which recently started affording funding to local organisations through a competitive process.
According to Edghill, Artistes in Direct Support was privileged enough to be allowed to continue its work which it commenced some 10 years ago making an immense impact in the society.
The entity has been undertaking HIV/AIDS sessions at various organisations including: Banks DIH, the Demerara Distillers Limited, the Guyana Post Office, Cara Lodge, a number of banks and security firms.
However, measures have been put in place to expand the services offered, according to Edghill, who revealed that commercial sex workers are among the persons that are being targeted to be sensitised on the issue of HIV/AIDS with an intent of making them safe and by extension those who may become involved with them.
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