Matriculants receive educational talks from Siyayinqoba organisation
HIV testing, tuberculous screening, sexually transmitted diseases, high blood pressure and sugar diabetes were some of the services provided at the venue.
KwaThema – Siyayinqoba, in partnership with Love Life, Treatment Action Campaign, Aurum Institue, Centre for HIV/Aids Prevention Studies and Sanca, held an awareness day at Bulithando Park on November 26.
The purpose of the event was to educate matriculants about prevention, safe sex practices and personal safety care.
Regional co-ordinator Thabisile Dlamini from Siyayinqoba says: “It is important for us to have such initiatives where we engage with young people and share information.
Also read:
How to register for your matric results
“Our matrics are done writing their exams, as today was the last paper and normally this is a time whereby they make uninformed decisions and so forth,” says Dlamini.
She further explained that in most cases matriculants engage in risky behaviour as a way of celebrating completing high school.
“We have all heard of pens down, and unfortunately this is when they drink alcohol and have unprotected sex, which is why we prioritised this day to come to them and have discussions so they are well informed and know what to do should they find themselves in a certain situation,” she says.
HIV testing, tuberculous screening, sexually transmitted diseases, high blood pressure and sugar diabetes were some of the services provided at the venue.
The public received information and educational talks as well.
Also read:
Clinic urges community to learn their HIV status
With distribution of both male and female condoms, people who took part in activities of the day walked away with caps, hats, water bottles, pens and bags.
Dudu Leeuw from Love Life says: “Some of these learners have information, but are scared to come to clinics because they fear they will be judged by society, which creates a gap between us and them.
“There’s high decrease in contraceptive usage and a high increase in teenage pregnancy.
“It is, therefore, very important that we work together and educate each other so we know how to protect ourselves.”
Follow us on:
