What does a large sofa, microwave oven, and big screen television have to do with HIV and Aids awareness and counseling? Well planners at the Ministry of Education hope it'll be an open sanctuary to students at Gwen Lizarraga High School. With money from the Global Fund, the Ministry of Education is testing another approach to HIV and Aids education and counseling. The concept is called the 'Youth friendly space' and today Keith Swift visited what students at Gwen Liz are calling their comfort zone.
Keith Swift Reporting,
Gwen Liz's "Youth Friendly Space" is furnished with a large screen TV, a DVD player, a boom box, a small microwave, a refrigerator, and a sofa set. Looks like a lounge but principal Lorna McKay says it's the three Rs - relax, recreation, and research.
Lorna McKay, Principal - Gwen Lizarraga High School
"It is a lounge but it is more of a student activity center where they can do a lot of reading, research, and that type of work. There is a library on the corner there. We have the lunch area, we have television where they can look at the tapes, we have pamphlets on Aids and other issues affecting our country. They can come in here and do research and they can come and relax. They can come and talk to each other. As long as they don't break up the center they can come in at anytime."
The 'Youth friendly space' was once the school's library. It was transformed into this youth friendly space by the Ministry of Education. It is part of a project funded by the Global Fund. Nelson Longsworth is Director of QUADS. He explained why Gwen Liz was chosen for the pilot project.
Nelson Longsworth, Director - QADS
"There were several studies done that show that the high risk students tend to be in this general area. I think only they know best at the end of the day what works for them and having a space where they can discuss and share information in regards to healthy living, I think it is fundamental to the concept. So we are hoping that is what will happen. We truly believe that a space like this is needed in all our high schools and our schools per say where students feel comfortable in coming together and sharing information or accessing information relevant to their health."
Kenroy Young is one of the 700 students attending Gwen Liz. He is in fourth form and a peer helper. He says that for students - the friendly space is a comfort zone.
Kenroy Young, Peer Helper - Gwen Liz
"We have a microwave where we can warm our food from home, a refridge, and having this comfort zone also there is a library within this comfort zone and it is a good resource center and a positive thing for the students and it leads them towards other great alternatives. For example they would hang out in the yard after school doing nothing and now they have this room to utilize to do watch TV, to come and learn about something wise."
Plans are to open similar youth friendly spaces in other high schools.
