This interpersonal initiative was grounded in the conviction that education is an essential strategy in effectively combating problems that affect some youth, such as drug and alcohol abuse, sexual abuse, unemployment, and the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The idea is to take capacity building trainings and information sharing opportunities to the grassroots level so that young people are equipped with the right information about their reproductive health and issues related to treatment, testing, and the proper use of contraception.

Specifically, about 55 young people from 5 villages - Malabi, Wailotu, Natokalau, Dakuivuna, and Delasui - took part in the training workshop at Dakuivuna Village. During the 2 days, adult facilitators spoke on issues of positive youth participation in the community, maintaining open and good communication channels starting from the family, and making good choices on a daily basis. These messages emerged from the philosophy that active participation by youth in organised activities at the family, clan, village, and even provincial level will enhance older people's respect for and trust in young people. Facilitators reiterated that this process also applies to rural youth involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS and STIs. An Adolescent Health Development Project Officer from Korovou Hospital and other presenters encouraged participants to be agents of positive change and information in their society, sharing knowledge and skills gained over the past two days with their peers, family members, and members of their communities. Group work and discussions throughout the first day of the workshop gave the opportunity for young people to discuss, debate, and learn basic information like the difference between HIV and AIDS, the modes of transmission of HIV, (proper) use of contraception, and issues of testing and counselling. Resource materials provided by the Korovou Hospital complemented the discussions.

Organisers are liaising with the Ministry of Youth to explore the possibility of at least 3 young people from the training to be recruited as volunteers for the Pacific Youth Festival in Suva later in 2009, and for 1 or 2 to undertake additional training of trainers (TOT) activities to build their capacity as life skills communicators.

Youth, HIV/AIDS, Reproductive Health.

Dakuivuna Village is approximately a 2-hour drive from Suva and is located in the Tikina of Wainibuka in the interior of the Province of Tailevu. There are 50 households in the village, with a population of about 250 people (excludes villagers residing in the major urban areas). Wainibuka is regarded as the most under-developed part of the Tailevu Province, and has high teenage pregnancy and school drop-out rates.

According to organisers, in January 2009, 3 of the villages whose youth participated in the workshop were severely hit by the floods; 2 youth were killed at the height of the flooding. As a side impact, organisers note that the workshop helped motivate these young people to come together and make progress after significant losses.