YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SUMMIT 2002

HIV/AIDS & YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

Presented by:Athi Geleba

MANAGING DIRECTORYOUTH ACADEMY

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THIS PRESENTATION

Current Situation in SA Factors contributing to spread in youth Challenges faced by South African Youth Role of Youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS Integrated Approach to Youth Development to

address HIV/AIDS

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CURRENT SITUATION

25% general SA population HIV+ by 2010

70% total infections in Sub-Saharan Africa

1 in 4 young people in between 20-29yrs HIV+

Unemployment in S.A. 62% among youth

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Threats to Youth Employment

HIV related absenteeism

Loss of productivity

Cost of replacing workers

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Factors contributing to the increase rate of HIV transmission

Social & family disruption High levels of poverty & low levels of

education An overwhelmed & inadequate welfare

system Sexually Transmitted Diseases Resistance to change of high risk behaviour Stigmatisation

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CURRENT ISSUES

- HIV/AIDS

- UNEMPLOYMENT

- POVERTY

- CRIME & VIOLENCE

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Mdantsane Youth AcademyVISION

“A self-sufficient & healthy environment, conducive to the economic participation & development of young & capable leaders, who contribute positively to society.”

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YOUTH REPRODUCTIVE & SEXUAL HEALTH

Reduce new infections in youth.

STRATEGIES Promote safe & healthy sexual behaviour

(info. dissemination, condom distribution, life skills training)

Training youth in peer education & counselling skills

Promote VCT, HIV/AIDS Counselling, Care & Support

Prevent Mother to Child Transmission through IEC

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Youth Development - our most important priority

Programmes should address wide range of youth needs:

Social Economic Educational Psychological Spiritual Health

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Critical Issues

Gender

Effective Quality Programmes

Resources (Financial, Technical, Human)

Policy (Non-discrimination & equity; safe working environment; right to information & education

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What this means for youth-driven intervention programmes

Sound research, knowledge & experience

Effective Skills Training & Development

Partnerships (Media, internet, networks, community meetings)

Commitment

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QUOTE

“The deployment of energies and resources; the unity and commitment to common goals - all these are needed if we are going to bring AIDS under control.”

~Nelson Mandela, Honorary President of the Global Business Council on AIDS~