The St. Sidwell’s Youth Friendly Space, was established in the year 2007 as a result of a collaborative effort between the St. Sidwell’s Vestry Committee and the UNFPA. It was recognised that the St. Sidewell’s Anglican Church has a large percentage of young adults who were invariably involved in several church related activities, such as:
>The Server’s Guild, who demonstrate their Christian and moral duties through assistance to the priest, by providing altar services.
>The Lamplighters, who interact with other similar like organisations, which propel their growth through participation in humanitarian work, sports and culture, public speaking, self awareness programs and other religious activities within the church.
>The Choir, who leads the way in instigating the congregation to sing lustily and making worshiping enjoyable.
>The St.Sidwell’s Steal Orchestra, who stimulates the intellectual growth of youths- through the learning of music and strives to compliment the service with their harmonious musical displays.
As such, the Youth Friendly Space is a powerful fusion of all the youth organisations mentioned above, and can be regarded as a dynamic, enthusiastic and essential youth group.
The Youth Friendly Space of St. Sidwell’s Anglican Church has provided fifteen (15) Peer Educators, whose mandate is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to conduct STI/HIV/AIDS and Teen Pregnancy education among peers within the church and neighboring communities, in a way that will effect behavior change and decrease the chances of the occurance of such plights.
Since the formation, the peer educators attended several seminars and training sessions of which focus on:-
- Self Empowerment Programs
- Sexual Reproductive Health Programs
- Introspection Programs
- Critical Thinking Programs
- Skills Training Programs
As a result of the training peer educators acquired, they became empowered and were able to transmit that knowledge to other youths.
Consequently, the peer educators visited other churches, schools, playgrounds and youth groups in the community and conducted seminars, workshops, and peer educator counseling. The peer educators were also involved in the HIV/AIDS rally, which was held in October 2008.
The St. Sidwell’s peer educators is, therefore, regarded as a model youth organisation demonstrating youthfulness, courage, integrity and a sense of purpose in the community. It is the only Christian body who the UNFPA endorses and is proud to be an associate and supporter.
By – Rhonda Brotherson