Peer Educator’s Training

 

Lion Sands. 22-26 March 2018

CABSA had the privilege to present the Peer Educators Training to a small group of very passionate staff members of the Lion Sands in the Sabi Sands game reserve in March. The staff members represented different lodges if the organisation.

Mini, Nonceba and Lyn travelled from Johannesburg and thoroughly enjoyed this unusual work environment! It was full days of very passionate involvement in the subject matter, but an extra bonus to see elephants while having your meal, or have a hyena sniffing at the classroom door!

On a more serious note, the participants shared many concerning stories of myths and misinformation that are still very prevalent locally and it is clear what a serious effect HIV still has in their communities. Their passion to make a difference was very clear throughout the training, and some participants even delayed going on leave in order to complete the course.Participants committed to being sources of accurate information in their workplace and their community and shared that their “eyes were opened”.  One of the participants also said this training was more than just a training, but a time of emotional and spiritual healing. Many of them reported on the change in attitude brought about by better knowledge and understanding. Someone said that their colleagues were very inquisitive about the training and kept asking what it was about and what they learnt about HIV. ” I answered them that we are not just learning about HIV, we are learning about life!”

The enthusiastic Peer Educators are very thankful for the investment the organisation made and are determined that this investment will bring change in the workplace, but also in their own lives, their families and in the communities where they come from!