Prevention and Education

Education and increased awareness about the issues of hiv and aids breaks down stereotypes, decreases fear and empowers families affected by hiv to improve their own lives.

Sexual health was not a subject that was commonly taught in Thai High Schools. If the subject was on the curriculum at all, the lessons were very basis not providing answers the youth wanted to have. Siam-Care trained guidance teachers (tutors), in providing a scheme of sexual health education. Training of Teachers (TOT) meetings are run for three days at a time.

At present the trained teachers and Siam-Care staff work together to teach the students, following the Siam-Care 12 lesson curriculum. The teaching first started in high-schools only but has now been extended into the primary schools of the region, as there is a potential for students to drop out of school after completing primary education. A ‘handbook for teenagers’ was written and is given to those students who follow the lessons.

Ton Kla is a monthly peer-group meeting formed from the relationships started in the schools. It currently has 200 members and provides a friendly atmosphere and a social centre for many but also offers counseling. This group is particularly important to reach those who no longer can attend school because of work or family duties. These high-risk children are also given the opportunity for weekend education at a time when they are not working.

Community education

Siam-Care co-organises events and activities with the local communities to celebrate events such as Thai New Year and Children’s Day. As these special events are mostly well celebrated in the community it is a good opportunity to reach a large part of the population at the same time. Amongst the fun of the games and activities there are always some information boards and activities about the prevention of HIV and AIDS.

In the northeast education sessions are organised with the villagers of various communities. The villagers are encouraged to propose their own subjects, for which Siam-Care staff will then bring along appropriate materials.
Siam-Care is also frequently asked to speak at such as students’ camps.