Oily
cucumbers and broken taboos are only some of the ingredients
of the HIV and AIDS workshop offered by the Lebanese Red Cross youth.
Around 30 young people spend a weekend learning about the disease
and other sexually transmitted illnesses. They are gathered
in Nabatiyeh in Southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Red Cross Youth centre has invited students from local schools and universities
to attend the event, facilitated by peer educators from the
LRCY HIV and AIDS programme.
- I had some information from my fiancé, but today was
the first time I ever saw an opened condom and learned how to
use it, , says Itaf, a 22 year-old student of psychology.
- It’s not common to discuss these issues in school or
at home, and there’s a lot of information we need to know.
Sex is usually presented as a scientific subject, and nothing
is taught about the practice, explains Itaf.
Fast-changing society
Lebanon is a society where sex before or outside of marriage
is a big no-no, and where sexual education is virtually non-existent
in many schools and families. Yet, society is developing rapidly
nowadays. The gap between the generations is widening. The efforts
of the LRCY are crucial in giving young people information and
forums in which to discuss sensitive issues.
Rubber training
Simmering giggles rise to the surface as the workshop enters
its most hands-on session so far. A bag of cucumbers is brought
out by Rana, one of two instructors. Another bag contains condoms.
A girl raises her hand and upon her request the group splits.
Most female participants gather in a separate corner of the
room, out of sight from the guys and the one girl who decides
to stay. Rana then asks for an assistant.
Ali, from the back benches, volunteers confidently, with a cocky
smile. He gets to demonstrate condom use as the workshop participants
await their turn with the cucumbers. Down in the other corner,
the girls are going at it in much the same way, with condoms
and oily cucumbers passing between their hands.
Uncertain statistics and discrimination
According to official statistics from 2003, 745 Lebanese were
hiv positive or had developed aids. The UN estimates the number
to be ‘no less than 1500’. Precise figures are difficult
to obtain.
Stigma and discrimination against people with hiv/aids is a
major problem in Lebanon. Many of the infected are rejected
by family and friends, and some even lose their jobs and places
in educational institutions. For this reason, many people who
suspect that they might be hiv/aids positive hesitate to get
tested.
Norwegian support
The LRCY HIV and AIDS programme has 30 peer educators that run workshops
in local communities all over the country. Awareness-building
activities are also conducted in prisons and reformatory schools.
In 2004, the programme reached 2000 people. Through the IFRC,
the LRCY hiv/aids Programme receives financial support from
the Norwegian Red Cross.
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| Lebanese Red Cross
Youth peer educators facilitated the workshop. |
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| Itaf, 22, was one
of the participants in the workshop. - There is a lot
of information we need to know, she said. |
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| Ali (left) volunteered
to demonstrate condom use. For this session the males
and femals were in split groups. |
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