SOUTHERN PROVINCE

NYARUGURU — 450 students drawn from several schools in the Eastern and Southern Provinces on Thursday completed a four-day holiday camp aimed at fighting Aids stigma.

The camp held at Groupe Scolaire Marie Merci in Nyaruguru district was organised by Prevention of HIV/AIDS in Rwanda through Education Project (PHARE). It attracted youths from anti-AIDS clubs in secondary schools, vocational schools and local communities.

According to PHARE project national coordinator, Jean Claude Nshimyimana,  youths in schools and those out of school shared experiences on how to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

He said,"The main aim of this camp was to help youths build HIV/AIDS networks between schools and communities in order to break down stigma, share knowledge and increase access to care and support services in their communities.”

"At the start of the camp, youths out of school had an inferiority complex. They could not come out boldly to share their experiences but this was broken. We hope that they will work better thereafter,”added Nshimyimana.

During the camping, participants also received training on how to start up small income generating projects so as to sustain their clubs. They were also advised on how to create links with authorities within their local communities for improved access to care and support services.

Youths were also urged and empowered to actively fight against the Genocide ideology in their communities. The participants also underwent a Voluntary Counseling and Testing session. Out of the 354 students tested, two were found to be HIV positive.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Onesime Nshimyumukiza, the head of the District Aids Control Commission urged the youth to practice what they believe in.

"Do not be lured into pre-marital sex. Abstain from sex and let your stand be known to everyone. Help others in your communities and schools by spreading the message on HIV/AIDS,” counseled Nshimyumukiza.

Samira Lahfa, the coordinator of the activities described the four-day session as a success.

"The youths were enthusiastic and quick learners. We hope that they will practice what they have learnt in this camp,” said Samira.

The annual holiday camping, the second of its kind, was facilitated by  the Irish Aid in conjunction with the Voluntary Service Overseas(VSO),  districts, the Ministry of Education, the National Aids Commission among other partners.

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