Latest update April 7th, 2025 6:08 AM
Pele FC/NAPS conclude successful 2-day Peer Educators Programme
Players expressed delight and eager to share
By Franklin Wilson
With the HIV/AIDS pandemic continuing to be a challenge for all and sundry, the Pele Football Club is leaving no stones unturned to ensure that their players are fully educated and equipped to confront the challenges its brings.
As part of the clubs 38th anniversary celebrations, they partnered with the National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS) to run off a two-day peer Educators Workshop which ended at the Georgetown Football Club Pavilion, yesterday.
Nazim Hussain, NAPS Community Mobilization Coordinator (centre) emphasizes a point during the Workshop with members Pele F.C.
Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, Nazim Hussain, NAPS Community Mobilization Coordinator who was the facilitator of the Workshop, said the focus was to train and sensitise the players so that they would in turn sensitise their peers and other footballers on the issue.
“And of course when they are not on the field, to interact with members of the public and their families to educate them on the dangers of HIV/AIDS; especially when it comes to stigma and discrimination. There is evidence to show that stigma and discrimination is one of the drivers that fuel spread of the disease around the world.”
The experienced mentors suggested that this was the first time that NAPS was working with a full fledged football team even though they have done some amount of work with players from clubs before, but not so specific in a two-day structured event.
The sessions were very intense according to the facilitator who said he was surprised to see the 22-players come out on a Saturday and Sunday with such a high level if interest shown.
Discussions over the two-days was centered on how one can become infected, how they cannot get it, the use of condoms, being faithful and protecting yourself among others.
“The sessions were very interactive and I allowed them to let loose and have intense discussions with each other and I am happy to say that everybody participated and made contributions.”
NAPS and the Ministry of Health he said is looking forward to persons in their own small way to contribute towards the fight against stigma and discrimination of HIV/AIDS.
It was pointed out that in Guyana, 80% of the persons who contract the disease is as a result of unprotected sex.
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