Sixteen PLHIV from the 7 targeted communities in Ogbia LGA were trained as Role Models and Mentors during a 3-day training. The training took place from June 24-27, 2016.
The training objectives were presented, and participant outlined their expectations and fears.
The training modules include:
i. Basic knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
ii. Communication skills for counselling
iii. Depression management for HIV positive women
iv. Family planning
v. Stigmatization and discrimination
vi. Roles of a mentor/role model
vii. Support and Care for PLHIV and PABA.
The training sessions were facilitated by two resource persons using PowerPoint presentations during plenaries, discussions, group work, and role plays.
Day-one:
Basic Facts about HIV/AIDS and Stigmatization and Discrimination were discussed, the facilitators were able to differentiate between self-discrimination from other forms of discrimination, and the participants gained a better understanding of the importance of very high self-esteem, even if they were infected with the HIV virus, it didn’t make them less human.
There was complete and interactive participation. The participants opened up to one another and shared their past and present experiences as PLHIV to enhance and improve positive living.
Day Two:
Family Planning, Communication skills for counselling and care, and support were discussed. The Family Planning session also included condom use and condom demonstration. Participants also contributed and participated in a return demonstration on condom use (male & female condoms).
Following the communication skills training for the counselling session, three participants participated in a role-play exercise. One participant acted as a doctor, another as an HCT counsellor, and the third as a client visiting the health facility for HCT. There was a role play.
Day Three:
Participants were taught about the roles, qualities, and skills of a role model/mentor. They were also considering how to manage depression in HIV positive people around them. The session also included group work on how they can help someone who is newly infected with HIV manage depression.
After the training sessions, action plans were drawn by the participantsand each mentor was assigned community to work. After which, a post-test and finally a training evaluation were done by the participants.
