|
HDES ends anti-Aids drive with high mark |
|
Source Sunstar
|
|
Wednesday, 31 October 2007 |
|
THE Human Development and Empowerment Services (HDES), a non-government organization assisting the underserved and underprivileged sector has earned high marks in the two-year implementation of an anti-STD-HIV-Aids campaign intended for street and urban working children in the city. Dubbed as “STD/HIV prevention, intervention for the street children and sexually exploited in Zamboanga City,” the program created much awareness among project stakeholders, local government units, government organizations, non-government organizations and media practitioners that child prostitution is a reality in the city streets.
In the project’s year end evaluation held at a downtown restaurant Tuesday, the College of Social Welfare the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) rated HDES under the leadership of Maria Lourdes Lim a high 95 percent, which is equivalent to excellent for the group’s successful implementation of the program.
The program has created a positive policy environment in Zamboanga; resulted to children and youth empowerment; strengthened services and implementation of other related activities.
Dr. Chester Coronel of WMSU, who presented the project’s external evaluation result, said the HDES has passed the program with flying colors by accomplishing its target goals.
“This project should continue and expand to the other barangays in the city”, Coronel said noting that the program concentrated in 10 barangays located within the 7 kilometer radius.
The anti-HIV/STD/Aids project is being undertaken with funding assistance from the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (Unicef).
The program helped push for the enactment of the Children’s Welfare Code for Zamboanga City in 2006, reactivation of the barangay council for the protection of children, creation of Barangay Aids Council and caused the setting up of outreach posts or the love and care center for the kids where the children beneficiaries were given regular life skills sessions, value formation trainings and peer education.
The creation of the Barangay Aids Council aimed to intensify the education and advocacy program on HIV-Aids not only among the Most High Risk groups but also at the barangay level.
Because of the success of the project, the Unicef, through its representative Phillip Castro has promised to continue support to the anti-STD-HIV-Aids program in the city. (Sheila E. Covarrubias)
 |
The News 
Subscribe to this comment's feed
