Empowering the New Generation: A Summer Camp Dedicated to HIV Awareness and Action

A group of passionate young people  recently  concluded a summer camp in Bugesera district on mental health, stigma in schools & Youth Living with HIV, Sexual Reproductive Health, drug abuse, leadership skills, among other topics.

In Rwanda, around 10.7% of new HIV infections affect youth up to 24 years old. The camp was meant to empower youth through Peer Education, for positive change. It was organized by TRI-Rwanda+ a youth led Organization &  NGO member of the Rwanda Network of people Living with HIV/AIDS/RRP+, in partnership with Global Youth.

Alice Abanabeza, the Legal Representative of TRI-Rwanda + facilitating a session

Many of the youth participants have been touched by HIV, whether through personal experience or by knowing someone affected by the virus. The camp held at Nyamata Technical Secondary School  provided a safe and supportive environment where they can learnt about HIV including  a stigma-free setting.

“Our intention was to   create a space where young people  engage with these topics, sharing experience and learning from each other without fear or judgment,” said  Alice Abanabeza, the Legal Representative of TRI-Rwanda +. “Our goal is to equip them with  knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves and support their community.”

Interactive Workshops and Life-Changing Discussions

Throughout the camp, participants engaged in a series of interactive discussions led by different facilitators on health issues and  local leaders. These sessions cover a range of other topics, including human rights, gender equality, and their role in promoting a just and inclusive society.

One of the youth participants  Aristarline Umwamikazi  said, “We are acquired different skills from the camp including setting mindset for positive change, through helping people, avoiding discrimination  especially  against  people living with HIV. We also learnt how to economically develop ourselves as youth, becoming good leaders and role models.”

Aristarline Umwamikazi 

Summer Youth Camp is one of the major activities of TRI-Rwanda + which is considered as a transformative space where adolescents and young people come together to address sensitive  topics  related to mental health problems , stigma, in schools for adolescents and  youth living  with HIV, reproductive health, drug abuse and leadership skills. Youth discuss resilience  through peer education , testimonies and open dialogues.

Deo Mutambuka, the Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS/RRP+ shares with the youth the experience on how to develop and maintain values that support a purpose driven motivation, for a bright future.

The sessions empowered participants with knowledge about their reproductive health, raising awareness on mental health and challenges that young people face in schools. It also equipped youth with tools to become advocates  for positive change in their communities . During the camp young people also had an opportunity  to discuss  school performance and activities performed under the Gold Youth Project.