The Youth Arm of the Turks and Caicos National AIDS Programme invited Behavioural Change Communications Specialist (BCC) Salorne McDonald from Trinidad and Tobago to assist in training Rap Port members in effective peer commuication.
WIV4 NEWS ONLINE popped our heads into one of the Rap Port workshops and learned about the challenges facing these ambassadors for behavioural change. Specialists view HIV/AIDS as a social disease that can be prevented by changes in one’s behaviour (i.e. choosing to protect of one’s self when engaging in sexual intercourse). Through unconventional activities, BCC specialist Salonorne McDonald explained that effective communication takes, teamwork, problem solving, leadership, support and dialogue.
WIV4 NEWS ONLINE stuck around after the workshop to ask attendee “Why is Rap Port so important?” Here’s what they had to say.
Hezron Henry
Age: 25
President of Rap Port
How did you learn about Rap Port?
It was not a matter of “learning” of Rap Port, I was selected as part of a larger group of young persons across the TCI in 2002 to attend a one week workshop (Youth Peer Education/Counselor and Training Workshop) that consisted of methodologies used in informing (by way of Skits, games etc.) our peers of HIV and aspects that contribute to HIV infection. The name “The Rap Port” was adopted from the original group based in Trinidad and Tobago that facilitated our training, the name Rap Port is unique to only TCI and T&T, however there are other group within the Caribbean that use the same or similar methods.
Why is Rap Port important to you?
The Rap Port is important because the need for young persons to interact with their peers in an open environment where they are able to freely voice their opinions on various topics affecting the youth of the TCI and address them accordingly this initiative was created; this group serves as an engine of empowering young persons within these islands.
Karlansia Mills
Age: 18
CARICOM Youth Ambassador for the Turks and Caicos Islands
Why is Rap Port important to you?
“I am not a member of Rap Port but as the CARICOM Youth Ambassador I do come to some of the meetings to keep abreast of what they’re doing. One of my mandates is HIV/AIDS. I want to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and hopefully eradicate it in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Romaine Pinnock (Api of Blakout Crew)
Age: 21
Vice President of Rap Port, Providenciales & PR Rep. for Rap Port Turks and Caicos
How did you learn about Rap Port?
I was invited by Hezron Henry, who was Vice President of Rap Port TCI, five years ag.
Why is Rap Port important to you?
Rap Port is important to me because of the cause that the group stands for. I see AIDS as a great concern in my life and in my community. Going to Rap Port gives me information and being a part of Rap Port allows me to be heard; putting those things together I’m able to spread the information.
Chandra Craigg
Age: 23
Rap Port Member
How did you learn about Rap Port?
My cousin Damian Wilson, who is the Rap Port President in Grand Turk, brought me to a meeting.
Why is Rap Port Important to You?
I think that as a young adult I can make a difference in the world. I see Rapport as my outlet to bring about a change in society. All it takes is just one person to gain insight from information that you gave them to make a difference in the lives of many.
Wendell Rolle
Age: 16
Rap Port Member
How did you learn about Rap Port?
I was introduced to it by Hon. Karen Delancey. She invited me and I liked what they were doing—finding ways to help the youth and give them information on preventative measures.
Why is Rap Port Important to you?
I am a Peer Educator at Clement Howell High School and Rap Port is important to me because it helps me to inform my peers.
Mrs. Keziah Nash
Assistant Coordinator & Programme Officer for the National AIDS Programme
Why did you join the National AIDS Programme?
I’ve been addressing issues in HIV/AIDS for eight to ten years. I think I was drawn to it because the epidemic is such a challenge and it affects behaviour. In my line of work I want to affect behavioural change. HIV/AIDS is no different from other social diseases that affect people like alcoholism and drug abuse.
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Why is Rap Port important to you?
Rap Port is the youth arm of the National AIDS Programme of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It’s through Rap Port that the National AIDS Programme gets the message to the young people. Rap Port trains young people to deliver information to their peers and subsequently help prevent the spread of HIV. Teaching refusal contributes to healthy living among young people. Rap Port strives to improve interpersonal skills, problem solving and therefore effectively combat HIV/AIDS.
Salorne McDonald
Age: 33
Behavioural Change Communications (BCC) Specialist
What is your function as a BCC Specialist?
I travel around the world (Most recently South Africa, Namibia, Netherlands, UK and US) training outreach workers in government systems and help develop National BCC Programmes, developing materials and helping with interpersonal communications training.
Why do you travel around the world teaching creative education methods?
It’s what I’m destined to do. I have a gift for it and I love to do it. This isn’t work, this is mission.
WATCH WIV4 NEWS TONIGHT AT 7PM FOR A FULL REPORT ON THE RAP PORT BCC WORKSHOPS.
Filed under: WIV4 FEATURES | Tagged: AIDS, Behavioural Change Communications, Caribbean, HIV, National AIDS Programme, Rap Port, Turks and Caicos, Youth
its nice that Rappoert is comming out man!!! its really about time… youths need to be more involve these days because there are many things they do not know and need to be told about.
i hope this keeps up and good luck to all the Rapport Members who are trying to make a difference in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
I would like to learn how to communicate with different people in general issues to strength me languages in English.