The Oyo State AIDS Control Agency (OYSACA) has awarded certificates to 9 outgoing NYSC members trained as peer educators under the NYSC HIV/AIDS Prevention and Reproductive Health Project.
OYSACA Coordinating Director Dr Wale Falana said Corps members HIV Peer Education (C-PET) had supported the reduction of the spread of the virus in the state by offering their time as HIV peer educators in schools.
Falana said the agency that works closely with C-PET members will continue to promote HIV prevention and abstinence from sexual relations and urged outgoing C-PET members to apply their training and values in their future workplaces.
He assured the outgoing C-PET members that the agency would continue to support them even after completing their program and encouraged them to stay connected through social media platforms and not hesitate to seek guidance or referrals when necessary.
“You have been trained as ambassadors. When you go into the world, take what you have learned, uphold professionalism, and serve as ambassadors of integrity and goodwill. The employment document you received will guide you in promoting equality and understanding, especially as it relates to people’s HIV status.”
Mrs. Aderonke Abimbola, NYSC Programming Officer, HIV/AIDS CDS Group, expressed gratitude to OYSACA for the certificates awarded to C-PET members, stating that they would encourage more members of the Corp to participate in HIV control.
Outgoing C-PET President Temitope Animasaun, reflecting on the trip, described it as “one of the best decisions ever made” during his year in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
“It gave us exposure. We learned about HIV and AIDS management, supported schools and involved students in awareness programmes. This experience broadened our horizons in ways we never imagined,” he said.
Another corps member, Mr. Joshua Anetor, expressed similar sentiments, saying, “It has been a wonderful experience. Through our community outreach activities, I have had a real impact on the children we work with. They remembered what I taught them from day one. Without this program, I may never have had that opportunity.”
In a comment, C-PET Vice President (outgoing), Miss Loveth Amaka, stated: “It gave me the opportunity to move from office to office, meet people and learn to express myself. I was shy at first, but with the support of my president and executives, I learned to speak up and take initiative.”
Miss Afusat Ajao, also a member of C-PET, added: “C-PET is not just a CDS group, it is a way of life. We learned that stigmatization is not something that should exist. We educate communities, correct misconceptions and help people see things differently.”