304 youths living in Mukuru Slums in Nairobi were sensitized on HIV and AIDS in Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC). Organized by the Mercy Sisters, sensitization sessions targeted secondary school (Form Fours) students and youths registered for training at Vocational Training Institute popularly known as ‘SKILL’.
The two day sensitization saw participants trained on the following topics: Appreciating oneself as a beloved creature of God, the five dimensions of life: drugs and substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections, impact of HIV and AIDS in the world (current statistics), values and virtues and youth leadership in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Participants also watched videos on AJAN youth movies such as ‘The Precious Pearl’, ‘The Turpitude of Desire’ and ‘True Love and Sitaki Stain ‘I don’t want Stain’. Participants also engaged in dialogues on issues discussed including group presentations.
Sensitization sessions were facilitated by Ms. Pascalia Sergon (Programmes Manager- AJAN Head Quarters), Johnfisher M. Ondigo (St. Aloysius Gonzaga High School) and Milka Waithera (Kijabe Township High School).
The Mercy Sisters run Mukuru Promotion Centre which is a complex comprising of a group of learning institutions that include four primary schools, a secondary school, a vocational training institute, a rehabilitation centre, sponsorships programs and a medical clinic. Through the establishment of Mukuru Promotion Centre, the Mercy Sisters provides basic services such as education and health to low income communities living in the slums of Mukuru.