Thembalebelethu began implementing the GOLD program in February 2009 in four schools: Idlangamabala, Soshangane, Sikwahlane and Mbambiso. The peer educators are drawn from grade 9s and in total there are 120 peer educators as each school accounts for 30 peer educators. From February peer educators have been attending Skills Training Sessions which are conducted by very committed team of Facilitators.

On the 14th – 16th of July THBC GOLD team conducted its first amazing camp at ONDERBERG RESORT for Idlangamabala and Sikwahlane schools. The second one was held at the same venue on the 24th -26th of July and it involved Soshangane and Mbambiso. The camps were amazing in many aspects, firstly the enthusiasm and good behavior of peer educators, the motivation on the part of Facilitators, the support received from many stakeholders and the information shared during the three day camp activity. During the camp session, the program focused on Leadership and Communication skills and this is done so that the peer educators can become more efficient and effective in performing their roles.

The last part is devoted in acknowledging and thanking all the people and institutions ensured that this camp was really a success and amazing. Of course the GOLD team values the support received from the management of THBC and the staff, the Circuit Managers, Principals and the management of the participating schools, the commitment by the L.O educators and other educators who have shown interest into the program, the parents for allowing, blessing and supporting their kids, the entertainment by the Y.I.A Drama group, the Facilitators for doing a wonderful job, the support by the staff from the GOLD Agency, the catering team for ensuring that we had great time and lastly we would like to thank our greatest asset for this program the peer educators for being great leaders. With the information shared and your attitude, peer educators really showed that they are prepared to confront the root causes of HIV and AIDS.

I hope we will all continue playing our part in ensuring that we make our schools, District, Province, Country, Continent and the World a better place for all of us and it is really possible. Those individuals and institutions not mentioned, it does not imply that their contribution and effort is insignificant. Thank you everyone for making this camp really amazing.

Cleopas Maseko (Program Manager for GOLD program)

“The HIV/AIDS epidemic is probably one of the most telling symptoms of our contemporary brokenness. There, love and death cling to each other in a violent embrace. Young people, desperate to find intimacy and communion, risk their very lives for it.” Henri Nouwen