1. y - p e ernewsletterVolume 15Edited byGehad Elsayed Design byBeka Berikashvili Cover design by Kacem Jlidi

2. Editors Word Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.y - p e erNational Networks William B. SpragueDear friends, colleagues, partnersreading Me forever young, Ele-and youth around the world; phant in the room or Reaching out20.000 and activities like streetIts our pleasure to present youaction and using of Social me-Y-PEER Newsletter volume 15dia for sure you will get inspiration(July-December 2011).to know and do more and more forStarting from briefing about na-your community. Y-PEERians havetional networks and international the main goal and insist to reach it.a ctivities to celebrating WAD 2011Now; I will let you discover moreis like a journey around Y-PEERabout Y-PEER.world, and guess what, it will notbe enough to know all the amazing Last but not least; this newsletterwork and ctivities done and theira would have been complete with-their impact. So, you are invited toout writers and editorial team Ayselthis journey to get across three re-Asgarova (FPC Azerbaijan), Bekagions Arab State, Eastern EuropeBerikashvili (FPC Georgia) andand Central Asia and Asia Pacific Kacem Jlidi (FP Tunisia).and more than 48 countries.Thank you!To write an editors article you haveto cover the main topic of the news- Gehad Elsayedletter but the words cannot expressit as the articles themselves. While http://www.ypeerinaction.org/ 3. AlgeriaArmeniaWhats more? Zahra Benyahia Samvel MkhitaryanY-PEER Algeria was launched in 2005. It involves3 youth NGOs, over 200 peers divided into teams:media, social marketing, field work and pro- Me Forever Young Processing those kinds of situationsgramming. It aims to strengthen knowledge, Before you get bored and thumband thinking over those questions canawareness, advocacy, education and communi- through the pages lets do a little ex- influence on your perception towardcation in the field of SRHR, HIV/Aids and supportareperiment while youre reading. Trymany questions.PLHIV.great things for which we Because we be lieve we are destined fornt of the MDGs,to relax and seat comfortable calm To discover whespeak up for the fulfillme ther it works or not thechange and the voice to geriamusic would be of benefit. :D you Y-PEER Armenia spread of HIV. Y-PEER Alalong with UNFPA COensure SRH ser vices and prevent the tion and edu- ready to start?!!! designed a project within the 7 bil-many activities of preveninitiated for the last semesterin-t field work and proximity While youre reading try to visual- lion campaign. The project involvedcation in different cities convinced tha ange. als toward behavioral chize the scenes, or simply think over a group of volunteers from y-peer Ar- terventions will achieve the go those questions and answer them. menia and group of aged people that ss from HIV/Aids ry campaigns for awarene Peers organized two Itineratarget- leave alone.me 10 Days of Activism What would it feel like to be an aged e project aimed toin summer and autumn under the thehuge numberFrom one hand th high risk of infection. A person, per se?ople with the issueingyouth and populations at s, sta-confront young pe blic spaces: markets, streetWhat it would be like to be an aged of growing up as an inevitable part of of Street act ions were organized in puital each month. and bus stations in the cap person (Gram or Grandpa) with a life and from another hand to discov- m, popular coffee shops, tar- diudifferent youth structures anything comm on About 10 Aw areness days took place in uctured youth walking stick in the hand? er whether there isung nurses, magistrates, str nerations. Moreove r get ing university students, yo as well.How would you treat young people between those ge ablishments and migrantsto give a chance toin vocational training est lets say your grandsons? What kind the project aimed g As a result, 32 51 get to know youn0 people were ap of advices would you give them? aged persons to Peers also celebrated international proached. 200 pe-and their views, life- ople living withWhat it would feel like to be the one people to underst events such as the UN Volunteer dayHIV were suppor .ted. Over 49 870in this society.style and behavior in action for environment sustainabili- posters and flyers and 84 520 co volunteers passed ty. For their capacity building trainingsdoms were distn- Indeed, questions that few peopleOne day long young ributed. 15 med like they live, do- on SSR took place and targeted 30 peers. representationsiaask themselves or seriously thoughtwith aged persons, were leaded. 2 vido, watching soap d-over them. ing whatever they Whats more, a project of entertain- eos were realized. As we are awok, drinking cof-are operas, reading a bo ment was initiated to support people that only the involvement of alWell now relax :D youre still middleors etc. Whereas l ac- fee with other neighb living with HIV in hospitals. Y-PEER tors will have an impact, we colla age. Maybe some of you will picture ed persons livedbo-another full day ag brought happiness to them at each cel- rated with three youth NGOs as it easily and some of you with a bitas they do, such asas UNFPA, UNAIDwell with young people ebration.S, UNICEF. difficulty. 4Y -PEER National NetworksY -PEER National Networks 5 4. going out shopping, meeting friends,. Meanwhile the have to deal withclubbing etc.e chance to get toOlga Gerasenco aged people had th ung people, theirDuring the project Pre- and post- vid-eo interviews were carried out and know the life of yo views toward life, fa mily and future.nteers obtained BelarusSome of the volu ce!On one resouras a result a short movie has been d some of themproduced. The project had incredi-new friendships ances.ble results. It directly influenced ongained lifetime advil Volunteers Day , 5th ofovie will be re- On InternationaPEERyoung participants views toward se- Soon the short m presentation of Y-t our face bookD ecember 2011, the as heldnility and aged people. Young people leased, so watch ou ww.ypeer.by) w Belarus website (we elec-got deeper understanding of their life page catch up on ne ws.1 OSHMYANY. Th at gymnasium ucationwhat kind of problems aged peopleok.com/pages/rt of the peer edhttp://w w w.facebo tronic site is a pary ofted by the MinistY-PEER-Armenia/16 2858060401394project implemensaid inA and UNICEF Education, UNFPsglavny, ch Anna Rysevet her opening spee al andepartment of SociAysel Asgarova Inspector of the Dof Ed- k of the MinistryEducational Wor projectAzerbaijanucation. We areis being develope pleased that ourd not only at sch ools butrn, willet space. We, in tuSocial video also in the Intern further support the ideas of peer edu-On August 26th, 2011 Y-PEER Azerbaijan in cooperation with Active Citizens cation! Thanks to this website youngAzerbaijan organized media training with focus on movie-making and blog- people, working in the field of peerging at GRBS International Tuition Center. education can find all necessary in-Young people nowadays are often eager to share their concerns or ideas via formation and all on one resource!social media; however they often dont know what to start with and most-The portal offers electronic sam les ply lack any knowledge and skills to make a social video or write up a goodof activities for seminars on relablog post.ted topics, dictionaries, information community activists. In a courseThe training brought together 15 students and abo t youth organizations workingu Windows Movie Making program;of the training young people learnt about on peer education as well as infor- as the tips for writing a good blogassemblage/editing of short films as well mation on scholarships and grants. people for active citizenship andpost. Thus, the project encouraged youngIn addition to the theoretical knowl-ia and equipped them with movie-promotion of social values via social med edge young people will be able to con- making and enhanced blogging skills. sult online a psychologist, a surgeonand gynecologist. Young people will beUpon the completion of the event trainees had an opportunity to put in prac-also able to consult the peer educators.tice the knowledge and skills gained.6Y -PEER National NetworksY -PEER National Networks 7 5. While creating the portal volun- teers tried to take into account the Alex Festival mod-adors and role interests of all stakeholders. Thus, in Belarus ambass s, Y-PEER Egypt one of a huge networks inUNFPA activitieApplication for a seminar division el s. In support of con-Egypt and the first branch of Y-PEER in the s participated in representatives of the school can last year Y-PEER. The Arab World, that started in Egypt since 2005mestic violence specify the dates and topics of thecerts against do az- by five peer educators and by support from g people was am requested training. After complet- reaction of youn hat UNFPA CO, and now we have a 42 NGOs part-d Y-PEERs for w ing this form, certified volunteersingthey thankeindif-ner working with youth and Health in All of d not to remain and leading youth organizations they do and aske o- Egypt also the network relies on 268 national lems of young peAhmed Kashkoush are contacted to conduct the train- ferent to the probtrainers of peer educators and approx 10202 ing. We try to support the initia- tive of young people, and highlightple and try to sovolunteers were lve them. Afterwinvited to a peerards ed- Egypt peer educator perform the peer education activities in these NGOs in the country. how. Having seen their achievements. High schoolucation trainingks, ed more thanth principle worculture Festival we reach 1 in Oshmyany was not chosen the youth-to-youThrough Alexandria International ide is- accepted the off er ofand adolescence and prov by chance. This educational insti-we immediatelyart- 16.000 young people and talk with youth , in comics. Alsoh UNFPA and st d Family Planningetc tution is one of the leaders in pro- cooperation wit sues su ch as STIs, HIV/AIDS, ananged g of the song D ocipate with us and we arr motion of peer education!Saided with recordinerofY-PEER Egypt am bassador implement parti ,said the sing Tatiana Pronko, Senior SpecialistYou Rememberatievsky. musical party. nd Vitaly M of UNFPA BelarusStarting from Open Space ba cre- sed that through The second activity was networking meeting between the NGOs partner that January 2012, we will choose the Our band is pleacan volunteering, we meeting helped them to share the challenges and the chances were met and best volunteer monthly!addedativity and activepeo- havior of youngdiscussed how they can make cooperation among them, also they were Mrs. Pronko. Young musical band influence the be sky, d Maxim Mestov share their experiences in working with youth and how to use peer educa- Open Space was chosen as Y-PEERple!concludetion methodologies. nd.guitarist of the ba 8Y -PEER National Networks Y -PEER NationalNetworks 9 6. mosexual is insu lted and beaten. our fault that heIt is notis gay, is it?! Andally, these women gener- , homosexuals aninfected should d HIVtake care of them its none of our bu selves;siness. The above mentioned problems ar ones that are moste the ignored in Georgciety. Most of theian so- people cant eventhat we have suchrealizekind of problems.planning the projWhen ect we saw that ta about solving prob lking lems is just wastin time when most g our of the people canrealize them. So wt evene decided that theaim of the project main should be makin problems more nog the ticeable, showing to the society anthemd inducing discus about them. Hersions e came the nameprojectElephan of theBeka Berikashvilit in the Room GeorgiaLast year we made one dayouth competition wherey project an6 teams partici- eresting and cre-pated in. We got many intElephant in the Roomative works from the parti cipants, but stilly was absolute-We have already discussed and decidedAt first glance it seemsimpossi-we had a feeling that one da out such kind of such kind of problems, come on it was ble how a big elephant in a smallly not enough to think ab the help of UN- the only answer wherever I tried to startroom cant be noticed.But think, problems. This year with 10 days project. talking about gender based discrimina- what can be easier than closing our FPA we managed to create ber 10 different ating hisFrom 1st to 10 of Decemth tion, homophobia and HIV discrimina-eyes when neighbor is becreated articles/ tion. We who are progressive, devel- wife? Of course it is not our busi- teams (4 people in each) gans about the oped and open-minded young peopleness. What can be easier tha n not let- assays, photo series and sloof them. Be- do not or cannot notice problems in our ting our child play with HIV positivetopic that was given to eachone day in this society. Yes, we have already discussed children? We know he/sh e cant besides this, each team hada flash mob or this problem, thought a lot about it and infected this way but still, well feel10 days period to organize changed a lot; didnt we? But if we open safer if our child stays farfrom HIV street performance. infected children. Yes, it is the easiestproject was or- eyes a bit wider we can see that big ele-Together with UNFPA, theere a ho-DEA (Georgian phant is still standing in our small room.to just pass in the street whganized by our NGO GY10Y -PEER National NetworksY -PEER National Networks 11 7. Youth Development and Education-asnt win but it wthey share the in-al Association) and two other NGOs I was so happy to at- We inform youth and . Just particip fellows. So, as peerCSMA and ICCN. The project had two only about winning thing formation next to their was a hugeof a great and im-winners. Mariam Korintelis team was ing in this projectsotrainers, we are the linksays changeding the world a bet-the favorite of jury and Tiko Gabu- for me.These ten dthink- portant concept of maky life. I begane of the reasons Inias team was the second (according many things in mthink ter place. This fact is on lems I didntto Facebook likes). The winner team ing about the prob riam Ko-chose Y-PEER. ated Mastgot 4 laptops and the second team gotab out earlier.am.introduction: I am e winning te But lets make a little4 Ipods. rinteli , leader of th -I joined Y-PEER 3 duce revolufrom Moldova and This proje ct may not in e 50, read the advertise-On 7th of December you would meet inds, but thmonths ago. When Itions in peoples m e-PEER training I waspeople in Tbilisi who were holding bigo were somment to apply for a Y-100 or 50 0 people whegan words: peer educa-papers with writings: I am a woman the project battracted by the main how connected tos. and ese were the fieldstoo, I am a child too, I am HIV pos-these problemtor and journalism. Th th inking about theseitive also, I am gay, etc. This flash ant. Andthis is very import where I wanted to work the most,mob (organized by Tiko Gabuniassteps.because they represent my inter-team) had a very important message: are just firstests and fit me the best. Besides, Iwhen there is violence in our society am sure that the Y-PEER mandatethen we should say that we are also is very important and opportunewomen and children, HIV positive or for youth from my country, oncegay. When you feel yourself in the vic- they need to know all the right andtims place then the attitude its not relevant information about repro-my business instantly disappears.ductive health. After I passed theselection and became a member Radu Artiomof the network, I understood whatthe real power of Y-PEER is. I`veMoldova seen that only Y-PEER, thru a lotof workshops, trainings, informa-tional campaigns, like Pro Health Reasons to choose Y-PEER Campaign, social theatre festival, Yesterday I watched a movie called Pay it forward. flash mobs, annual meeting, YAP Have you ever watched it? If no, I recommend thismeetings and more activities pro- movie to you, because its a very motivational and in- vide information that is really nec- spiring one. Its about the concept to do somethingessary for youth. asked me: good to someone and to ask this one to do the same ! Of course were people who It was my choice to join Y-PEER ebook, thing for others. And you know, watching this madebetter to stay at home, on Fac Why did you come here? Is it notes it worth? me realize that Y-PEER is also based on this concept.rkshops, to write articles? Do than to organize activities, wo12Y -PEER National Networks Y -PEER National Networks 13 8. lee portraits of valuabMy answer was a strong YES!,equal with suc-as co nsisting of twenty onsince I was motivated enough For me Y-PEER is The photo exhibit wa, there were politic ians, showthe initiative topeople in the region of our city Samarthe ecifically tonst AIDS, and evenand willing to change the level cess, spe, successcan bee of the NGOs fighting agai the citationof information from my com- success. As for m nce, men, representativwas also leaded by s: Perseverach of the portraitsin d in 3 word YOUGA teacher. Ea t the HIV epidemicmunity. define bility erned the situation abound Responsifrom the facts concYes! Y-PEER is my first way to suc- C orrectness a ,y. The photo exhibit waI call successthe world for todas just the first step of thecess! Because here I have seen soSo, Y-PEE R is all thatitude for now, the main idea isproject, , because att to implement the knowledmany young peoples with initia-and a lso attitudeege, de. This is th about HIV prevention, inttive, who believe in themselves determines the altitu region. The participants ofo the community of Samarathe project, are going to hoand in voluntary work and I un- secret!a small lecture amount the ldwe arepeople whom they are woderstood that Y-PEER is what I forget that ing with, and to share therk- P.S.:And dont information with someonwas looking for. great things! whom they are working e destined for with. The YOGA teacher have promised to make a lecture in one of his classes,local radio DJ will makethea report on one of her radprograms and the universiio ty professor, have promiseto organize a training wi dth students.Alexey Dzhura In all the words, the huge amount of work has been done by Michael Ush-akov, the leader of the project and our photographer Olga Usoltseva. We Russia should never forget about our rights as young people as one of the maingroups or risk, such events is a good example of successful proves that: ItNumbers, people their teachers, and someis possible to stop the epidemic of HIV, but only with the purposeful effortconcerns everyone were young people who of themof all of us, how it have been said by Andrey Bikov, the leader of Samaraprobably just got interested with onState prevention Center.The photo project was dated for thee of the banners on the street.30th year of the opening of the Humaney decided to But the reason why thImmunodeficiency Virus.More than 200 people came for theattend this photo exhi bit, is not re-ost important Somaliland ally important, the m Abdiziz Hersi Warsameopening day of the photo exhibit to lly came over thing that they actuathe gallery New Space in the Sama-there, and they received the mes- What have we done in 2011?ra city. Some of the journalists, whoing to the so-are always trying to find the hot newssage that we were send Somaliland Y-PEER Network is getting popularityis world, andfor their newspapers, to impress their ciety: HIV exists in thand trust of the community year after year because oblems of to-readers with the fresh gossips about it is one of the worst pr of its tireless efforts in fighting HIV and FGM in So- ople are dy-publics life, some of them were school days worldlots of pemaliland. In 2011, the network carried out five big should knowkids, who were forced to come bying from AIDS and we different activities to contribute to the HIV preven-about it! tion initiatives in Somaliland.14Y -PEER National Networks Y -PEER NationalNetworks 15 9. main cities namelyWe created 6 HIV school clubs in five Erigavo to promoteHargeisa, Borama, Berbera, Burao andVijayanthan high schools and weHIV prevention methodsABCin theThusandra International Youthcommemorated World AIDS Day andDays to provide advocacy messagesto the youth and leaders of the countryon HIV, FGM and GBV. We also targeted Sri addicts and youth liv-the youth at high risk including druging in border towns and Internally Disp laced People (IDP) ues and circus shows. Lanka camps through theatre based techniq designed and imple- In addition to that, Somaliland Y-PEER 6th Asian Pacific Conference in Somaliland through mented a project called Fighting FGMproject, which was Peer Education Approaches in 2011. TheIn the middle of October 2011, three young people from Sri Lanka partici-influence the attitudecompleted successfully, was aimed topated in the 6th APCRSHR conference held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. All three in secondary schoolsof 560 university students and 1450 girls of them were internationally trained Y-PEER educators and took this oppor-nd and to create 4to advocate FGM eradication in Somalila tunity to increase the visibility of Y-PEER Sri Lanka and to broaden their net-Somaliland. The out-FGM clubs in Hargeisa, the capital of work of peer educators.limited to, 358 high The conferencecome of the project included but not, under the them e FGM eradication, 1115 Claiming Sexual school students in 6 regions trained onand Reproductiv emunication approach Rights in Asian an reached through interpersonal comd Pacific Societieed through sensi- was held from ths and 560 university female students reach e 19-22nd of Octob er. tization meetings. Finally, I would lik We rocked the eventtwo presen e to mention that - change commun we carried out be tations and onication messages havior e session thre to reach even morthrough the mashighlightsee youth. We conds media and developed 5 ucted 5 radio talk e Ami- radio spots all of them on HIV prevshows On the 1stday of the conferenc and stigma reduct and ion. We also prod uced the second ed ention laWensiri, Y-PEER focal pointof BAAQ magazitionfor the Glob-ine or The Caller. 630 copies wNational Focal Pointtributed in the un AIDS iversities and highschools of Somalere dis-al Youth Coalition on HIV and sion We believe that Somaliland Y-PEERiland.(GYCA) facilitated a satellite sesrship. gest local organiza tions that addressis now one of the stron-on youth and adult partnewhenother youth issu es in SomalilandHIV, STIs, FGM, GB V and Challenges faced by youth. We will continue waysing hard and hopewe will achieve mwork- working with adults and the s the Thanks to UNFPA,ore in 2012. to overcome such challenges wa . The Ministry of EducMTV Staying Aliv e Foundation, SO main focus of his presentationation, Ministry ofLNAC,th ac- ners for their colla Youth and all ousession was appreciated by you boration and supp r part- ort. tivists and adults alike.16Y -PEER National NetworksY -PEER National Networks 17 10. During the 2nd day of the confer-ence Sarah Natali, Y-PEER focalpoint and Youth Chair for youthtechnical advisory ommitteecof the Fam ily Planning Asso-ciation in Sri Lanka present-ed a posteron Sexual violenceagainst women in public trans- portation systems in Sri Lanka.This innovative project focused on empowering women to speak up when they experiences sexu- al abuse or name calling in pub- lic buses. It also spread aware- Odina Salihbaeva ness on how to take legal action against serious offences. Uzbekistan During the 3rd dayof the confer- enceThusandra, Y-PEER focalReaching out to 20.000a point in charge presented an oral The happy coincidence ThusandrY-PEER is working in Uzbekistan since 2005. Today it is apaper on A peer education proj- reads out the Youth Decla r aion tnetwork of more than 200 volunteers and 17 active Focalect on HIV and Sexual and Repro- of APCSHRPoints. The main partner of the Network is Youth Initia-ductive Health with the involve-- On the final day at the closing ceremo tive Center Kelajak Ovozi, and there are a number ofment of Sri Lankan youth in Post opportu- NGOs and international organizations working together ny, Thusandra had the uniqueArmed Conflict Areas. This was nity to be part of a three member team with Y-PEER.July of 2011 started with active invo the only oral presnt. The lvement in 10 Dayentation accept- that read out the youth statemeActivism21 activities were conds of ed from Sri Lank youngucted, among w a for the confer- Youth declaration focused onthere were eightpeer-education se hich,ence. His presentae healthssions aiming to tion highlighted people sexual and reproductivthe knowledge ofyoung people in thraisee areas of reproductthe need and im portance of peer rights and their access to services. health, STIs and HIV/AIDS preventioiveeducation for yoteers helped to ho n. Then, Y-PEER voung people, outal lun- of school, and inThere is no doubt that Y-PEER Foction Day that inld an event dedicated to World Popupost conflict en- Pointsleft a lasting impress ionat the cluded womensla- vironments. Thechalk competitiomarathon and ch pilot project was n. Y-PEER also ceildrensimplemented in6th APCRSHR conference.as Internationallebrated such big 2 of the 25 dis- Youth Day in Aug eventstricts in Sri Lanka. Passion rebuilds the world for the ber. In the framewust and WAD in D ork of advocacy eff ecem- youth. It makes all things alive andmembers took pa rt in UNAIDS wor orts for PLWH, Y-PEERn significant.Ralph Waldo Emersokshop on Strength-18Y -PEER National NetworksY -PEER National Networks 19 11. ening the partnership and participa- 2012, Y-PEER Uzbekistan implemention of civil society including PLWH ed 143 activities re t-aching over 20,0in expanding universal access to HIV young people na 00tionwide.prevention, treatment, care and sup-port. It is crucial to mention that Y- this period:We learned fromPEER was the only youth organization anisms for stron-1. Creating mech y - p e erinvited to participate in this event.ent in networkThere were two National ToTs in theger FPs involvem creases their re-fall, as well as a Special Training for (FPs Council) inwork as coordi-Medical Staff in Andijan. One of thesponsibility andorkmost-awaited events of the year fornators of the netwvolun-Y-PEER Uzbekistan is Annual Experi- 2. Expanding the topics of d a variety of teer activities an Internationalence Sharing and Planning Meeting, es sustainabilitywhich for the third time gathered 50partners improv d raises its rec-most active Y-PEER volunteers in theof the network anng mechanismmountain resort in November. Mem- ognition as a stros empowermentbers gave their feedback on the overallfor young peoplework, challenges, lessons learned, and t and distribution3. Developmenways to improve our work. And the increases theof Trainers KitsAward Ceremony celebrated the most rate of nation-implementationactive and committed volunteers ofn activities.the year. Overall, during July-Januaryal peer-educatio20Y -PEER National Networks 12. UNFPA Regional Officesto serve as a Aida Darzhanova (Kazakhstan) young peoples input in the region-International Coordinator al youth and SRH including HIV/AIDSin charge of Monitoring & programmesEvaluation Also, Y-PEER International Coordi- nators (ICs) serve a term of 2 years, Shubha Kayastha (Nepal) and as a result, Ms. Fatma HaciogluInternational Coordinator in (Turkey), Ms. Carla Daher (Lebanon)charge of Advocacy and Mr. Davron Mirsagatov (Uzbeki- stan) graduated and became part of Ana Rizescu (Romania) Y-PEER Alumni Board.International Coordinator Three new ICs were elected and arein charge of Partnership & Ms. Aida Darzhanova (Kazakhstan),Networking Ms. Gehad Elsayed (Egypt) and Ms. Shubha Kayastha (Nepal). Along with Gehad Elsayed (Egypt) the four other International coordina-International Coordinator tors who will continue their positionsin charge of Media & until October 2012, Y-PEER IC TeamCommunication has 7 members.Y-PEER Global Advisory Board (GAB)in In this regard, and after a thoroughManila, Philippinesassessment of the priority needs of theThe annual GAB meeting served as a international network, the new Interna-Y-PEER has recently completed impor-space for Focal Points in Charge fromtional Coordinators team has dividedtant meetings in Manila, Philippines: a40 countries to share information, re- their roles for 2011 and 2012 as follows:Global Peer Education Conference on3rd October, followed by a New Areasport, plan and build their knowledge Bothaina Qamar (Jordan)Meeting on 4th and the annual Globalwithin the framework of Y-PEER Tran-International CoordinatorAdvisory Board (GAB) Meeting from sition and strengthen their capacityin charge of Organization5th to 8th of October 2011.and skills on leadership, communi-DevelopmentThe meetings served as a platform cation approaches to increase qual-to formally introduce the Y-PEER in-ity and delivery of Y-PEER activities, Dina Jaffary (Syria)ternational network in the region, giv- and overall improvement of the net- International Coordinator ining a face to the international network work. Moreover, elected Y-PEER rep- charge of Capacity Buildingamong the newly joined countries as resentatives and ICs with supportwell as to the potential regional and from Y-PEER Alumnis have drafted Mario Balibago (Philippines):intentional partners in Asia and Pa-Y-PEER International Action Plan forInternational Coordinator incific region. 2012 which will soon be presented tocharge of Resource Mobilization22Y -PEER International Y -PEER International23 13. of different kinds of energizers.bye Day. Farewell saying to all theSome of the exercises were real- friends who became so close to mely strong, and some of them were for the last eight days was the hard-even hard psychologically. But I had est part of the training. But I am nota feeling that I was opening my in-sad at all because I know that I havener world to the group of participants,so much to share with my communi-the people who became the real teamty over here in Russia! So much stuffin the end, and those were some of to do, and if I need new ideas or newthe most amazing feelings of my life.experiences, then I will just write toProbably the only thing that I real- my friends and we will cooperate to-ly didnt like was the Saying Good- gether for the best result!Evdokia Romanova - NGO Youth TheatreLight Y-PEER RussiaY-PEER Advanced Training of TrainersinPeer Education and Civic EngagementThanks to this training, I had aWith the other participants weveBack home to snowy and windy Rus-their free time to contribute to their chance to think on my own attitudesshared our ideas about new projectssia from warm and hilly Bulgaria.society and help others. Now I know and values regarding SRH and HIV/ in Y-PEER.Even though Ive been back for two what the real power of Y-Peer is. We AIDS, as well as gender, and other I feel that I am improving myself asdays already, I still cant describe all will never stop believing in the op-health and social issues. a peer educator day by daythe feelings and emotions that I had portunity to change this world for theWeve also learned about Y-PEER Everytime in my life I think thatfor the week of training.best. We are young, free, and full of Network, its structure, elements, the world is a big house for every-Who could imagine that the pro-energy. No act of kindness, no matter tools and resources as well as newbody, where people live. The sun iscess of education and learning new how small, is ever wasted. Once you roles as Y-PEER Focal Points. shining for all of us. Watching thestuff could be so fun? Our trainers/ become a Y-Peer, you will hold this In my opinion group discussions insun, we understood that Y-PEER ispeer educators, showed some really in your heart for the rest of your life.this training will contribute my wholeone of the most important tools toamazing techniques to learning new During the whole week, we were re-works in Y-PEER Turkey! I think it will think about how to create a bridgethings, but also inspired us with theally busy with our schedule, but theassist to elevate the Y-PEER! of benevolence!unforgettable Y-Peer spirit. process of training wasnt even a little Bulut Oncu Y-PEER TurkeyIn my country, Y-Peer is used just bit boring. We did a lot of improvisa-like training methods in NGOs, buttion, working in the groups and do-after the week in Pravets, I was ableing activities for cross-cultural com- Well, few days ago I had may be thePeer regional ToT and Civic Engage-to fully realize that it is much moremunication. Each of us could holdmost exciting and interesting expe-ment training. The atmosphere of thethan that. You can meet only special the floor during facilitation and feed-rience of my life. In Pravets , not farevent was full or energy and fun. Wekinds of people in events like that: backs, and we were able to keep ourfrom Sofia more than 30 gifted and had a lot of things to do. Every singlethose who are ready to give up all energy on a good level with the help motivated young people had their Y-day we were busy doing some stuff ,24Y -PEER International Y -PEER International25 14. because during this 7 days training we to be later, itjust was an exercise, and Theatre Based Peer Education Training kicks were supposed to learn a lot. But still when they hugged and smiled to eachoff in Beirut were had time to have some fun andother I was happy. Now I know what the whole process was not so hard, be-should we do and what is forbidden Y-PEER Regional Theater Based Peer ater experts from Jordan and Egypt, cause the way of giving the informa-to be done during our work as peer Education training kicked off todayalongside certified Y-PEER trainers. tion to participants was simple and in- educators. in Beirut, Lebanon with 25 partici-Its aim? To explore ways to use in- teresting. I really appreciate the workOne thing is also worth mention-pants from across the Arab World.teractive theater in delivering key of our trainers, very hard task they hading that I liked great job of partici- This year, the training is hosted by messages to the community, follow-, working through all these days. They pants as one team. During differentY-PEER PETRI AUB unit in the Amer- ing edutainment techniques. did their best to organize this event exercises, especially team buildingican University in Beirut. It bringsBy the end of the training, partici- most productive, interesting and un-exercises we worked as people, who together Focal Points, peer educatorspants will put together a play using forgettable for all of us. I find them to know each other for one year at least. and theatre enthusiasts. Participantsthe new skills and knowledge they be very good, taking into account bothI liked them all, everyone has some- are being trained by qualified the-acquired through the sessions. their personal and professional char- thing special, that I was interested to acteristics: they are very kind as peo- learn, they are very motivated, hard-Y-PEERs attend the Global Youth Economics ple and qualified and experienced asworking and creative people. I never Conference in Washington DC trainers of peer education. I considerthought before that people from dif- them to be a very good example forferent countries have a lot in com-Three Y-PEER focal points attended the job market. Throughout the ses- me. Moreover, some of them couldmon and that they can understand the Global Youth Economic Con- sion, challenges to employment were be good actors and actresses! On theand support each other. It is very ference last week, a platform wherediscussed, with close attention given training, while doing one of the exer-good feeling when you know that400 young professionals from overto case studies in Zambia and China. cises I found them to be very talentedyoung people from different spots60 countries meet annually to discuss Speakers included the Moroccan in acting. Actually, this exercise is one of our planet do the same job, thatways to improve economic opportu-ambassador to the United States, Ms. of my favorite exercises, when train- you do actually. It pushes you to work nities for youth around the world. Barbara Chilangwa, Executive Direc- ers quarrel with each other for us totwice as well as you can.The conference took place in Wash- tor of Campaign for Female Educa- show how we can communicate with During the training I learned a lot ington DC, Sept. 7-8.tion in Zambia and Mr. David Ar- our co-facilitators on training. I have of new things, as well as from our Participants representing differ-kles, president of Manpower Group, never before had such an exercises, trainers and from participants per- ent organizations gathered through a leading company in workforce so- and was shocked when Rua and Ivi- sonal experience. Thank you very workshops and plenary sessions,lutions in the US. ca (our trainers) had a conflict, whenmuch for such splendid event we hadsharing methods, lessons and con-According to Mahmoud Nabul- we were all together. But, as it turned all together.tacts, all in an effort to alleviate em- si, Y-PEER Jordan, the conference isployment challenges faced by the a great chance for networking and Liliya Sabitova Y-PEER Uzbekistan. worlds 1.5 billion youth. learning new techniques especiallyDay 1for youth economic projects, entre-Speeches at the opening session fo-preneurship ideas.cused on the importance of education Day 2and vocational training for entering During the second day of the confer-26Y -PEER International Y -PEER International 27 15. ence, Mr. Jeff Holfman said that being Grade 11 to start drafting their busi- ulation and to help them know about dia was present at the event (TV, ra-an entrepreneur starts from commit-ness plans and aspire to become en-the importance of 31th October. Me- dio, etc).ment, focus, hard work, team spirit andtrepreneurs in the future.passion, a list of qualities he referredMeanwhile, Odina Salihbaeva at- Y-PEER ICsannual meeting inSofia, Bulgariato as the gradients for entrepreneurs. tended a session where participantsGood ideas can come from anyone anddiscussed the way national policiesIn December 2011 Y-PEER ICs gath- tion games and discussions. Organi-good ideas dont have age, he added. impact youth savings and the impor-ered together for a three-day annual zations should open their boundariesAnother plenary tackled the im-tance of financial inclusion, zoom-meeting in PETRI Sofia with the aim to meet super goals,- said Dr. Dmi-portance of exploring breakthrough ing in on case studies from Colombia,to strengthen the capacity in Advo- trov. If organizations keep on doingtechnologies in order to increase ac-Ghana, Kenya and Nepal.cacy, Partnership and Networking, as the same thing, the same way, theycess of young people to financial ser-Rua Al-Tawil attended a session onwell as Resource Mobilization and lose opportunities!vices, employment, entrepreneurshipadolescent girls and young women to plan, coordinate work and divideThe last day of the meeting wasand skill building opportunities.titled: Challenging Squared: Open-tasks between themselves (2 PETRIs devoted to discussion of achieve-Nabulsi attended the workforce ing Income Pathways for Extremelyand ICs) according to the finalized ments and challenges faced by PE-development session, where partic- Marginalized Young women, which International Action Plan for 2012.TRIs and ICs and dividing tasks foripants discussed the strengths and focused on the economic challenges The first two days were devoted to next year. Participants did an exer-weaknesses of a USAID-led projectfaced by young women as a result ofcapacity building workshops by Dr. cise to identify activities to imple-taking place in Jordan. The projectdiscrimination and marginalization.Plamen Dimitrov, President of the ment and discuss lessons learnt. Inaims to encourage young people inThe conference concluded on Sept 8.Bulgarian Psychological Society. ICs a course of this exercise, 10 Days ofand PETRIs team were able to practice Activism campaign was unanimous-Y-PEER and the 7 Billion Actions Campaign their skills and knowledge via differ- ly recognized as a key achievementent advocacy and networking simula- of the year.On 31 October, world population In Armenia, UNFPA and THEATREreached 7 billion. A world of 7 billionFOR CHANGES ARMENIA presented anpeople poses many challenges and interactive performance that introducountless opportunities to make aced the intricate links between thepositive difference. 7 Billion Actions,recent and rapid growth in the sizeestablished by the United Nations of our global family and the environ-Population Fund, inspires change thatment and social trends of our society:will make a difference by highlighting strains on our natural resources, pol-positive action by individuals and or- luted air and water, climate change,ganizations around the world.unprecedented worldwide commu-UNFPA and Y-PEER National Net- nication and trade, and an increaseworks have celeaarted and launched of people living in poverty.the 7 Billion Actions Campaign andIn Moldova, Y-PEERs organized ahere is what they did: flash mob in order to inform the pop-28Y -PEER InternationalY -PEER International29 16. Youth competition in battlingthe HIV epidemicEarlier this year, on June 9th World achieving universal access to HIV gional UN Goodwill Ambassadors, re-ing awareness around issues sur-leaders gathered in New York for the prevention, treatment, care and sup- gional artists, parliamentarians, androunding HIV/AIDS.2011 United Nations High Level Meet- port have partnered with Y-PEER, policy makers will be our guests dur-Participants were encouraged toing on AIDS where they launched a the Youth Peer Education Networking the Telethon. attend the weekly shows, broadcast-Global Planthat will make significant to launch a Youth Competition onThroughout the competition MTV ed every Wednesday on 04PM Bei-strides towards eliminating new HIV Revolutionizing awareness and pre-Lebanon is hosting Y-PEER members rut time and submit their proposalsinfections among children by 2015 vention in the Middle East and Northweekly on @MTV show coming from to UNAIDS. The names of the win-and keeping their mothers alive. Africa (MENA). various countries in the region to dis- ners will be revealed in March 2012We believe that by 2015 children The competition is falling toward cuss HIV and AIDS issues and share; Awards are including iPads, trips ofeverywhere can be born free of HIV the UNAIDS vision of reaching zero their experiences in the HIV response 3 days to Turkey and Diamond neck-and that their mothers can remain HIV new infections, zero AIDS relat-and the role that they are playing. laces will be distributed for the besthealthy, said Michel Sidib, Execu- ed deaths and zero stigma and dis-The topics which the participants3 proposals during the Telethon andtive Director of UNAIDS. This new crimination. are encouraged to formulate their the winners will be hosted at @MTVglobal plan is realistic, it is achievableAs for this competition, young peo- project ideas upon are presented andto share their experience.and it is driven by the most affected ple are asked to present a proposal ondiscussed during the show and theycountries.how youth in MENA can play a major count:Nearly every minute, a child is role in the AIDS response in terms of1. Basics of Prevention and Trans-born with HIV. Working together, awareness, prevention, peer educa- mission; Key Messages on Preven-we can reverse this tide as we have tion, human rights, care and supporttion Revolution.done in the United States and they to people living and affected by HIV 2. Human Rights and Gender- Stig-are very close to doing in Botswana, and advocating for the review of ex-ma and discrimination on Peoplesaid Ambassador Eric Goosby, the isting HIV laws and policies.living with HIV and Key popula-United States Global AIDS Coordina- UNAIDS and Y-PEER have launched tions and Women Empowerment.tor. Preventing new HIV infections the youth competition early in Sep- 3. Voluntary counseling and Testingamong children across the globe is tember 2011 at MTV show broadcast- and benefits from early diagnosistruly a smart investment that saves ed on @MTV Lebanon. Awards will and Treatment/ Mandatory test-lives and helps to give children a be distributed for the best three pro- ing; Treatment for Prevention.healthy start in life.posals presented by the youth on the 4. Travel Restrictions and relatedAs part of this approach, UNAIDS, World AIDS Day Regional Telethonmandatory testing.which is the Joint United Nations Event that is going to take place in5. HIV laws (people living with HIVProgramme on HIV/AIDS, is an in- Lebanon during the month of De-and key populations).novative United Nations partnership cember in collaboration with MTV. 6.Youth peer education and itsthat leads and inspires the world in United Nations representatives, Re-benefits as an approach in rais-30Y -PEER International Y -PEER International 31 17. do our best to build up the team spir-working time for the Y-PEER Evalua- it, to share all the good practices and tion in the EECA Region. It gave me a the lessons learned of the last year. great feeling of accomplishment when In ICs team, we are all counting on I attended the interviews with Stani & each other as our work is like pieces Stefan - Focal Points of Y-PEER Bul- of puzzle that come together and ev-garia- cause hearing their perspec- ery piece is important. tive on the impact Y-PEER made inNovembers main focus was orga-their lives and in their community nizing and conducting the EECA Re-was very inspiring. gional ToT this gave me a lot of mo- So this is a little sharing of whats tivation that was my driving forcehappening here in Y-PEER PETRI Sofia! for the following period. I realizedThere is a lot of online work, planning I missed the Y-PEER trainings atmo- and collaborating to make the most sphere and I enjoyed to the max how out of 2012 and I am very happy to be participants were very active and in- a part of it! Being an International Co-Dreams come true!!!Ana Rizescu volved, how trainers team worked to- ordinator is a voluntary role and it is gether and the satisfaction and joy very beneficial when one of us has theI began my journey with Y-PEER In- here, supporting us along the way. acquired after a week.opportunity to be based in the Y-PEERternational Network in October 2008, I am working closely with Toni, theThe beginning of the year was very PETRI Center and is able to dedicate ain the Y-PEER PETRI Center in Sofia. I PETRI Coordinator and with Rua, busy, especially during Dr.Ruths full working day to Y-PEER!didnt know much about what I wasthe brilliant fellow from Syria. Thegoing to do, but I learned quickly office looks the same, but so manybecause I had great support from all things are different. Now I have aY-PEER fellowship in a beautiful Beirut:the people I worked with and a great better overview of the network andA Look Inside Jamshid Kayumovmentor, Naida, who was an Interna- more responsibilities, I am in chargetional Coordinator (IC) at that time.of communication and coordinating During the four months, I was fellow handed over (I should had recom-I was dreaming of walking in her processes, motivating and engagingin the PETRI (Peer Education Train- mendation of UNFPA country officeshoes, of gaining a lot of experienceour members, being accountable foring and Research Institute / Unit) of Uzbekistan which I got) for the fel-while in the same time contributingour partners and donors.center, which is located in the Leba- lowship. I did not think that I wouldto the networks development.October has surely been the month nese capital, Beirut. During that time pass the selection. It was a sponta-And with a lot of work and com-of changes, as after the GAB meet-there was a lot of interesting and use- neous decision. But time had passedmitment, taking it step by step, mying, Fatma, Carla and Davron became ful things for me.... The first letter was that the papersdream came true. I became an IC in Alumni and Shubha, Gehad and Aida But I want to begin a story about were interested by the selection com-October 2010 and came back in thebecame the new ICs. It was challeng-how I became as a Y-PEER fellow. I mittee members. They told me thatY-PEER PETRI Sofia in October 2011 ing to adapt to the new team dynam- learned news about the selection in a few days I had an interview. Ias an IC in charge.ics, and Bothaina, Dina, Mario and Iof the fellowship from the Y-PEER was in complete shock and did notAnina, Sophie and Rali are still had to embrace a mentoring role and mail list. When the documents were know what to do next. In the begin-32Y -PEER International Y -PEER International 33 18. ning, everything was against me; the in the Department of Health Sci-back to my work. Nowadays I feelIn general, I recommend you takeinterview was scheduled on the day ence. AUB is considered one of themore comfortable myself. Mainly,part in the selection to the next cycleof my cousin wedding. Interview can best higher education institutions in my boss is very happy that I become of fellowship in the Y-PEER PETRI AUB,be characterized in a few words: ter- the region. This fact makes the fellow- more professional and energetic. So which will begin soon.ror night, unfamiliar, but pleasant ship even more interesting. fellowship help me to build myself as Im sure that you really like the fel-voices, the sound of the wedding, no Y-PEER PETRI AUB team consisted of a personality.lowship and Lebanon! GOOD LUCK!clear future.five members: two fellows: me fromNext news Pack your things! You Uzbekistan and Kacem Jlidi from Tu-M e, the fellowship and myself Kacem Jlidiare Y-PEER PETRI AUB Fellow!. A lit- nisia, the international coordinatortle less than five months of waiting I of the Y-PEER network Bothaina Qa-What does it mean to be a Y-PEER fel- first question raised because I feel itswas in Beirut! mar from Jordan, the coordinator oflow?somehow more important to address.About Lebanon: After years of un- the Y-PEER PETRI AUB Lina Jbara andThis is perhaps the question thatTo some extent, we might thinkrest, Lebanon is regaining its former Hala Abou Farhat, another membersmost Y-PEERs think of when regard-that its all about the chance to travelreputation as The Switzerland of the of the team: Mayada Kanj, Michaeling fellowships offered by the orange and live abroad for a while, but per-Middle East. Beirut is a beautiful Khoury (all from Lebanon).network. What do fellows do and sonally, its far beyond that; it is notcity, with modern high-rise buildings. All guys are professionals. Theyhow do they go through the fellow-the day to day work that fellows haveThere is each day built other beauti- have a great experience. So I got manyship duration away from home? Awayto do neither it is the monthly allow-ful new buildings. The streets of the good skills from them. Everyday wecity resemble the streets of European had something to do at the office andfrom family and friends?ance even though that matters quiteThese are few of the questions that I a lot ;)cities. People here are kind and inter- we all worked hard. Shortly, you canwas asked throughout my fellowship.Im sharing an office with threeesting. Also, there are a lot of tourists, feel there reined Y-PEER spirit. In theI would like to emphasize on thepeople and the things that set us apartand therefore almost all the inhabit- weekends we spent good time in theants of the city speak English.Beirut as well in other beautiful citiesAbout the fellowship: In my opin- of Lebanon.ion, the purpose of the fellowship inY-PEER Fellows have many privi-the Y-PEER PETRI AUB, as in the Y- leges and benefits in AUB. They havePEER PETRI Sofia is help to the in- the same rights as students of AUB.ternational coordinators to operate, For example, I had English course. Icontrol and develop Y-PEER network. studied with AUB students. But dif-As well as gradual training of profes- ference between me and them wassional personnel for the network, and that I did not pay anything for Eng-possibly for UNFPA, both at the na- lish course. Also, I was selected to thetional and international level.AUB men football team. It is hard toFellowship was held in American explain how I was happy to be partUniversity of Beirut (AUB). Office of of this amazing University!the Y-PEER PETRI AUB was located After finishing fellowship I came34Y -PEER InternationalY -PEER International35 19. are far more numerous than those ty; she has an angelic look and is verythat bring us to unity. This fact alone caring, and although she calls us hercontinues to amaze me every day.children, Im not quite sure she ever Peer of the MonthLess than two feet away sits Jam- appreciated the word Mommy J. November 2011shid, from Y-PEER Uzbekistan, a Not far from Hala/Linas office sitscountry I wasnt able to locate on the our wise queen Bothaina from Jor-map till I met him. Its been fascinat- dan, the International Coordinatoring working alongside Jamshid, the in Charge. She always has a zillionnumerous discussions we have, how activities to finish on her list and Iwe disagree often and then find ways still have no idea how she managesto agree again and support each other. to achieve them all. I absolutely adoreOn the other side of the room sits the voices she makes all of suddenHala, our new PETRI-AUB coordina- when working or when that Frenchy-tor. Shes a young Lebanese lady who tricked PC tricks her. Im learning soputs so much passion in everything much from her work manners, theshe does. Shes very friendly, a smiley effort she puts in every task and herperson who brings in a great spirit as keenness of adding a personal touchsoon she walks through the door. It to her work. Her presence carries anCosmincouldnt get any more convenient to irreplaceable added value.get to know Hala than having her as-Now, imagine the daily interactions Obretinsist with a Y-PEER training before she that happen among this small samplewas fully on board; the training was of differences over a quite long pe- Cosmin Obretin is Y-PEER Romania ily Lifethe best environment to unleash my riod. Call me a geek, but I absolutely productive Health and Fam Focal Pointsince 2010. e time,craziness and myself, and be able to enjoy observing us and how we mag-Skills related topics. In the sam He has the reasons to be POTM (No-s outget to know her easily. Shes more of ically get together and enjoy learn-I have participated in numerou vember 2011) as he said:parks,friend/partner than being a boss and ing about our differences. Cultural of school/ outreach sessions, in I believe that I have gained expe- ple areI absolutely love that, keeping in my awareness and personal differences clubs, places where young peomind my dysfunctional relationship were always subjects of importancerience in the field of peer work and I used to spen have shaped an image of what means top d time andwith hierarchy. to me, and somehow, through being ic related thea to work atLina, our previous PETRI-AUB co- here, Im feeding the little rebel in mevolunteering (not just for you but for part tre plays. I am of the team oalsoordinator whom I had the privilege at the end of the day, the ultimate the others too) to inspire other young mai f editors havinn goal to pro g theto work with during the past two lesson learnt is that we can all co-ex- people. The organized activities con- volu mote the imnteering throage ofmonths, had moved on with her life ist and live together. What makes ustributed in developing my personal- ings, ugh articles, stories, websidraw-to a more stable job. I will not forget different enriches us. Imagine how ity and as a volunteer at Y4Y and Y-tes etc.The most sig PEER, I have had the chance to work partnificant activthe first lesson she taught us, Jamshid boring it would be if we had less dif- to was in 2010 ity I tookand I Patience! ferences.in high-schools and organize peer ed- of thwhen he wase volunteers one ucation sessions on Sexual and Re-who were atLina is an absolute Lebanese beau-Dont you agree?the sea36Y -PEER International Y -PEER International37 20. side for the HIV Prevention summer campaign and I was able to reach in only two weeks almost 600 peers.Peer of the MonthAlso he clarified What did the work in peer education December 2011 add to his life as a young person by saying:Firstly, the work in peer education shaped my per- sonality and by this I am referring that it developed my communication skills and attitude . I have to admit that I started volunteering out of curiosity but I had never imagined that it could become so important to me. Itreally changed my life, shaping my personality and oneof the greatest satisfactions of this work is that you getto know a lot of people that are doing it out of pleasureor maybe just for fun, wanting to change something inthe world. These aren`t all the things that motivate meto continue with my work but you have to experienceit in order to understand it. And one of the thing I amproud is that other volunteers come to me in search-ing for answers or looking for an advise and this givesMaria me faith . I also thinjob, becau k it is a grse even if yeat oppor tunity to gZadnipru they are st ou don`t g et used toill recognizet paid for a The mosted as expeyour activimportant rience in th ities, Maria Zadnipru; Y-PEER Republic of thing thate workforcthe PRO-Health campaign, 10 DoA,to my lifepeer educ e.as a youngation add Moldova. Joined Y-PEER network in flashmobs, the Social Theatre Festival spired meperson ised . the peopleMarch 2011. and the participation of the network Cosmin h I met andas a nice q in- uote abouShe think she is the Peer of Theat other festivals.ling , readin dg detective t his spareexperience anpeople andstories , wa tching andtime: Tra vel- Month because she got involved in Maria express hersaying: enjoying thunderstandded to her by there is sue sun everyingalmost every activity of the network what Y-PEER ad ung ch thing as dayfree time. Th , but I don`t considery life as a yoIt dependson how yo e time is jusince she became a member. she isIt added a lot to mged meu want tost THE TIMof all, it chan things thatE.enthusiastic about every possibility sherson! First e could helpmanage itp ences made mfeel good th you and the others anin order todohas to involve! Besi des being a peer to very m uch. Adolesc didnt at`s when you know d when you person who you`ve don justpeer educator throughout the coun-a very reserved uitee SOMETHIN and wasnt q G.try and a trainer for the new team in talk a lmost at all g myafter begininChisinau, she also organized a Re-ciable bute- soin Y-PEER I bfresh for the new team, took part at work as a volunteerthe organizing and/or carrying on of38Y -PEER International Y -PEER International 39 21. came the little friendly girl I used tobe when I was a child. The work as apeer to peer educator has helped mein every other field of my life and Imvery thankful for everything I coulddo until now and want very much toy - p e erdo in the future!She was also volunteer in the 7thform. She helped the kids youngerthan her to make their home worksand also made other activities for thesmall kids and played with them.AIDS DayIn addition to her study and vol- anduntary work, she spends her sparetime attending the meetings of theChisinau Toastmasters Club, being Worlda member of the Academy of Ideas.40Y -PEER International 22. AlgeriaAzerbaijanZahra Benyahia Aysel AsgarovaPeer education sessionWAD for schoolchil-celebration of dren was held at UN confe As part of therence room collaborationon 1 of December 2011, aim 20 11, Y-PEER incam-ed to equipers initiated a 50 high school students with its partn ple of various lo-34 million peocal schools with peer edpaign called:activ-ucation tech- IV, 34 days of niques. As a result, the higliving with H eersh school stu- this activity, p dents equipped with peism. Through eir interven-er education aimedto intensify th e im- techniques, able to passon the learn- sitize about th ing beyond the life of act tions and senlion.cy to unite alport ance of advoca Media activity; Y-PEERbat HIV. Azerbaijanefforts to com participation as guest speakers in inter-rtisticecember,ana net TV programme dedic On the 1 of D stg-ated toWorldhe hallElMo eventwas held int ad-AIDS Day, moreover raisedawareness . Y-PEER tookof HIV/AIDS, ways of trans gar for youthere mission andpportunity wh vantage of this o gath-prevention and stigma and discrimina- people were tion in society associatedmany younga-with HIV. Af- stand of informer ed to install a large ter wards Y-PEERs answered the ques-ns went for ations of spectators. tion. Y-PEERiastreet action distributing flye rsand brochures to all passersby. the entry of the hall, before getAt -BahrainAbdulla Qamber ting to the concert, each person was sensitized and invited to takY-PEER Bahrain Action toward getting to zero; Peer Education eprevention materials including Training and a Symposium attended by 25 young people to share thecondoms. students of RCSI (Royal College of surgeons in Ireland) World AIDSAn exhibition of painting fro Day, and done exhibition sharing materials, the students of RCSI done mthe online competition betwe several workshops, but from our side I have done a Symposium andenpeers as well as handicrafts art peer education training. It took place in Royal College of surgeons in i- cles made by positive youth weIreland, and there wasnt any involvement from other organizations. re exposed for selling to reorieThe main impact of the training is that all the students was amazednt their benefits to support PLH from the Y-PEER methodology, and they were happy and would likeIV and promote their rights. to join the network, and they asked for more trainings from Y-PEER.42Y -PEER and World AIDS Day Y -PEER and World AIDS Day 43 23. Ena Fejzagic Bosnia andHerzegovinaOur biggeststrengththe young people!Y-PEER has a long tradition in Bosniaand Herzegovina. Since 2002 it has beenchanging the lives of young people. Thus,every time we organize activities forto take the matter in theirWorld AIDS Day I believe we do a smallown hands and organised the best WAmiracle. This year the miracle was un- D ever! As a result, with minimum resdeniable. ources andEER maximum efforts we ma WAD 2011, Y-Pnaged to or- While p reparing for big plans.ganise activities in 9 towns of Bosnia zegovina hada lot, but most Bosnia and Herdayand Herzegovina!This WAD has taught us ely, only oneat we should be Howev er, unfortunat that we By the help of our voluntee of all, we all realized there informedrs and vol- have such moti-before WAD, we wmen-more than proud tonds for impleunteers from other NGOs,ung people inwould not get any fu n imag- info stands, street action we organised vated and dedicated yo ivities. One cas, informale not afraid of ta tion of our actent, since weallgatherings, peer educatiour network, who arr disappointmon sessions brilliant young ine ou e action and parties. Young people any challenges! These d souls into thproved thatat all it takes forput our hearts anakes people reminded us th en someone w with high motivation, wemething is ourplans. It was like wham. I canplish a lot! During these evecan accom-our network to do so wonderful dre nts we pro- make positiveyou up from alenges spirit and eagerness to e biggest chal moted Getting to zerounities! I have say itwas one of thear.as condom usage and healtidea, as wellchanges in our comme faced last yhy lifestyle. being a part ofand obstacles wWe had a very creative artnever been so proud of uly amazing exhibition in Y-PEER Bosnia and Herzegovina and I But thensomething tr ly Y-Banja Luka, where younhing that on g people pre- spiration from happ ened met so Y- sented photos promoting hope you all find an in eople from tolerancePEER can do! Young p ecidedand non-discriminationwhat Y-PEERs do!erzegovina d towards HIVPEER Bosnia and Hpositive people.44Y -PEER and World AIDS Day Y -PEER and World AIDS Day 45 24. Adrian Yordanov BulgariaOn 1st December the volunteers took partin many different actions of the campaign.They were walking on the main streets of thecity and giving away cards with facts aboutHIV/AIDS and the people liked it very much.Also, there was a free projection in the cin-ema of the Bulgarian movie LOVE.net. Thehall of the cinema was full and there were Croatiaeven standing people. There were trainings Viviana Radicaat the topic of HIV/AIDS for the students inthe local schools, too. All of these activi-ties took place in Shumen and we had theFREE HUGS; eight volunteers and 100 people hugged.support of the Bulgarian Red Cross Youth Yes it was amazing street action, Volunteers were hug-Shumen. Campaging people walking by on the main square with a sign ign in The Mall, Street ac- FREE HUGS to show people that HIV is not transmitted tion Organizedto raise the awarness about HIV/Ae- with social contact and to raise awareness about stigmaIDS, alleviating stma towards peopig- and discrimination surrounding PLHIV. le, living with H Getting to ZERO; another streand referring peop IV le to HIV tests. Thet action to raise civil society campaign was ine HIV/AIDS modes of transmissi awareness aboutone of the biggest on (Zero new infection). We ma shopping malls with our bodies, and we were de big red ZEROin Sofia, the capisinging refrain of one populaof Bulgaria. Wetalabout getting infected by HIV. r song that talkschose this one alThis action was attended 100because of our so young people.longstanding paAlso, Y-PEER Croatia organizednership with it. rt- Info stands in ten difference The main activiti stands volunteers give out edu cities, on infowere as follows: escational leaflets and condoms, distribution 3500 people about HIV/AIDS.while educating condoms, 2000 informational m Last but not least; our Petition signingDeclaration of medical students terials and red ria-bbons; presentatio and for general publicThe declaration of medical students is asking of medi- of video clips an nd other multimed cal students to promise not to discriminate and stigmatize PLHIV when theymaterials and foia llow-up discussibecome doctors. The declaration for general public asked the public to stopreferring to a mobons, ile HIV-testing lathe discrimination and stigmatization of PLHIV and to promote and educateorator y (100 HIV b--tests on-site) an people about HIV/AIDS. Participants of this event were 15 volunteers and 1000 general discussi dons with interest young people.ed signatures just in 2 weeks.46Y -PEER and World AIDS Day Y -PEER and World AIDS Day 47 25. Solidarity wall Thematic street action & a flash mob attended by 300 young people; the objective was informing about HIV/AIDS and WAD. The activity Kyrgystan was held in the school of the town and it involved writing thematic mes- sages for preventing HIV/AIDS or for supporting HIV infected people. The Asel Turgunova partners of this activity were the school administration. The flash mob wasTo attract attention of young people to safe behavior and enroll the educated, performed in the center of the town and involved thematic moves, related working, city youth into the activities, and provide them a food for thoughts to the subject. The activity was supported by distribution 250 informational about HIV transmission, Y-PEER Kyrgystan celebrated WAD 2011 with Street materials, Y-PEER brochures and red ribbons for all the pupils. action, outreach which 60 people were explained about HIV during the Swear of faithfulness and 40 people were told about WAD during the Red Ribbon flashmob. Sangeet Gopal oolsPeer education sessions in 12 sch Kayastha10 Days ofActivism on HIV Prevention;Stigma and Dis- attended by 1153 young peoplecrimination, Transmission etcand addressed HIV Prevention,., games and quests. Getting to Zero with Yo Nepalwith 25 uth Action; four streetvaluable discussion was donediscussion, Documentary drama, groupTransit Movie Demonstration and show organized to gathedents and professionals r young stu-young people. in a common ground tospur their cre- ativity to create messageson HIV & AIDS awareness awareness on HIV/AIDS spe and raise the cially transmission throu among more than 1070 yo gh unsafe sexung people. The street dr on Proper care and loveama focusedto the HIV patients can tralife and can help them tonsform their live a better life.sitive feedback af-All audiences gave po their desire to haveter show and showedVictoria Colesnic ograms in the fu-opportunity of such prthe program wasMoldovature. Also, the news of published by local newspaper and alsolocal communitybroadcasted throughMyth or Truth/What should we do in order to stop HIV/AIDS? Interactiveradio stations. thematic contests; activity held in the shopping center MallDova and it con-youths working inMoreover, To gather sisted of questioning people about HIV/AIDS (through a box with myths andmon platform andvarious field in a com truths) and promoting right information about virus and WAD significance.minimize the im- discuss on their role to We also had a box for collecting ideas about what we should do in order toPEER Nepal held a pact of HIV & AIDS, Y- stop the infection with HIV. The activity was supported by distribution bySex workshops fol-Lets talk about Safe400 informational materials, red ribbons, white balloons and 300 condoms. ng in the eveninglowed by candle lightni Dance4Life team was our partner in this event.g people.attended by 150 youn 48Y -PEER and World AIDS DayY -PEER andWorld AIDS Day 49 26. Saif Al Sharji Y-PEER Oman education even celebrated WAD 2012 by hold Oman t attended b ing Peer event was edu y 25 young pcational exhib eople. ThisHIV/AIDS, a w ition which ta alkathon, a sm lked abouttion to educatiall theater plaonal games.y, In addi- Najam Sahar Pakistan Youth Peer Education Network for celebrating (Y-PEER) Pakistan in collaboration The main objective Anzaira B. Roxas areness amongstWAD was to raise aw with Chanan Development Associa- tion (CDA) and United Nations Pop- young people abou t HIV/AIDS epi-omote tolerance, Philippines ulation Fund (UNFPA) organized an demic as well as prople living withAwareness Seminar to commemo-and acceptance for peY-PEER Philippines organized Candlelight Ceremony awareness discus- rate World AIDS Day at Al-HamaraHIV/AIDS.sions for four days in different cities among youth and public to raise theirnized several ac- Hall, the Mall Lahore. More thanY-PEER Pakistan orga awareness and commemorate the victims of HIV/AIDS.D and 16 Days 250 young people and representa- tivities to celebrate WAAlso, Let us PAINT Catbalogan City RED! Concert and Street Action for ign 2011 with tive of civil society, Media and Govt. of Activism Campapublic, the unique event is dubbed as The Red Night, the red signifying in 17 different officials participated in the event. 19 different activitiesthe strong campaign towards the eradication of stigma and discriminationed around 2334 Muhammad Shahzad Khan, Execu- sites/cities and reachtowards HIV and AIDS, and to celebrate the most joyous time of the year, the ajor issues cov- young people. The m Christmas Season. tive DirectorCDA during his open- azing activities: ing speech briefly shared the work of ered during these am Legaspi Albay celebrate World Aids ion and aware- In addition to the GAYON LGBT group inity. This Poster competitess on their commun CDA and Y-PEER as well as the historymen & SRHR. ategy which creates awarencommunity in of World AIDS Day. He said that to-ness seminar on wo Day with different stression about the LGBT ance on Human is also an activity to give positive impr days world needs the active, equal Theater Perform s the issues. and meaningful youth participationRights of Trans-gend ers.making action toward Education thro in all the HIV prevention program- Human Rights Moreover; Theatre Presentation on Sexually Transmitted Infection and HIV . ming to work effectively towards a ugh Football Matchand AIDS showed to present the issues in different dynamic and idealistic one world getting to Zero.and attended by 40 young people.50Y -PEER and World AIDS DayY -PEER andWorld AIDS Day 51 27. RomaniaAlexandra Miroslavn and con- ; Broadcasted actio Human Ribbon purposee activity had thedo m distribution, Thity of WAD. ess in the communof bringing awaren arest on took place in BuchTh e Human Ribbon was a first ng TV show, and itthe sets of a mornie out of ggest ribbon mad be cause it was the bitended byshow. The event at people in a live TV repro- ive NGOs in sexual 78 youth from six acthave dis- Mohammad r the TV event weduction health. Afte of Bucha- Shbeeboms in the centertr ibuted 4000 condgardingrest and give gave peHIV prevention.ople information re Syriaareness of action to raise the awFlash Mob streetwas V/AIDS. The actionain NGOs that Y- the co mmunity about HI UniversityY-PEER National teersone of the m p of students at the king withfor organized by a grou PEER Syria is networof Sociology and other 3 NGOs also at- ToT for WAD 20117 days, aiming to expand the cad- d trained Peertended by 53 young people. The flashre of well skilled an In September 2009, Y-PEER Syria Net- and buildingmob was consisted in forming creating Educators trainers work born, with the efforts of 8 Fo- sign and deliver a human ribbon and other people who their capacity to de cal Points, this network started to be- ased reproduc- froze. There were media reporters who high quality peer-b come the leading network to offer an n training pro- filmed the event and took interviews tive health educatio advanced, yet interactive trainings ine SFPA.from organizers about actual situationgrammes within th the field of Reproductive health, HIV/of HIV/AIDS infection in Romania. various topics, AIDS & Drugs raising awareness ses-This ToT coveredpersonal and1008 condom distributed during sionswith main focus offrame of Repro-WAD t of school activity and Ougroup skills in the Every year, Y-PEER Syria participateender, Stigma &Stand activity within National Con ductive Health, G-the occasion of the World AIDS Dayking with MAR- gress of students and young doctors , Discrimination, wor t partnership. 130 participants. These activities held And thus, in WAD 2011, Y-PEER Syr- YP and youth adul to inform people from the conferenceia conducted a special National ToTlearning passed7 days of interactive about how NGOs are approaching thetraining for the Syrian Family Plan- rich information with full of joy andHIV/AIDS theme in their projects as aning Association (SFPA)s 26 volun-participants, in shared between thegood example.52Y -PEER and World AIDS Day Y -PEER and World AIDS Day 53 28. e tech-which every one of them (the train-ER interactiv7days of Y-PEners feel likeees) got the highest dose of inspira-niquesmade the traithis gor-Oksana Fishkistion to start testing their new experi-compared toence in the field nothing can be geous network Simply because itsUkraine7 days of endless youth-friendly at- Y-PEER :)mosphere passed with discovering success of thistrainingProtect your loveS. This event wasNo doubt, the orieser against AIDnew skills among youth which just our success stgeth region: has been added to, and weDecember, 1st 2011on the squarecities of Lvivneed a spark to fire it up and make theall proud of itheld in suchublia- which we are EER in front of Lviv National Universi-ska, Sokal, Dtrainee ready to reshare what he/sheess to all of Y-P Zhovkva Rava-Ru ks earlier dedicate this succ ty were placed three large banners grad. Two weegot to another group of peers.ver the world ;)ny, Chervonogional trainingsmembers all o where anyone could write or drawnducted two re we co school-their thoughts about HIV/AIDS. Every- r students andone could express their outlook of thison HIV/AIDS foproblem. Also, volunteers were hand-children.ing out leaflets, red ribbons and con-doms with the slogan: Protect your Ali KarakasTurkeylove. In addition to cover two majoruniversities: Polytechnic Universityand Commercial Academy. Our vol-Celebrating WAD in 13 different cities around Turkey with 13 different activ- unteers were handing out leaflets &ities cannot be presenting in few lines. Starting with preparatory meetingcondoms at city nightclubs Fenomencollected 39 PEs in addition to 5 FPs and UNFPA representative. & Mi100. At the end of the activi-The major activity was Street Action; 24 street actions took in 15 differentty we outlined a symbolic red ribboncities and 2000 young people participate in to attract the societys attentionwith candles. We are united in To-and advocate for PLHIV rights.Media; to raise awareness and educate young people about HIV/AIDS, 12 filmworkshops in 12 cities were conducted with discussions among 600 youngpeople who participated in. s around Uzbekistan ated in 40 PE session Odina Salihbaeva people were participMoreover, 200 youngoductive health and SR H rights, Our Y-PEER Uzbekistan held 11 activities dedi-10 cities talked about Sexual and repr ation and hods, breast examin Is, contraceptive metom parties in 6 cated to WAD3 peer education sessions,bodies, HIV/AIDS, ST ucations. Also, 6 cond1 poster competition, 1 concert, 4 theatre condom sessi ons implemented in edd by 600C protections attende zed to provide the AB performances, and a campaign. The latter different cities organi was organized together with Social Initia- young people. der.d by 200 religious lea tive Support Fund, Youth Initiative Centre 2 relig ious sermons attende The last but not least;Kelajak Ovozi and UNDP and held in Youth54Y -PEER and World AIDS Day Y -PEER andWorld AIDS Day 55 29. Palace in Tashkent. This event was divid-ed into two partsa fair during whicheach organization had an opportunity topresent their work; Y-PEERs held quizzes,outreach activities for young people andstaged a theater performance. It is nota surprise that Y-PEER volunteers tookit as a creativity challenge! They man-aged to put together beautiful collagewith pictures from various activities inregions and important messages dedi-cated to youth and WAD. Additionally,a little skit regarding the issue of stig-ma and discrimination of people, livingwith HIV was performed. More than 200young people, participating in the event,received information on WAD objectivesand HIV.56Y -PEER and World AIDS Day