Regional News of Monday, 21 June 2004

Source: GNA

More than 1000 pupils learn about AIDS in Keta

Atorkor/Keta, June 21, GNA - More than 1000 basic school pupils in the Wuti/Atorkor education circuit in the Keta District on Friday underwent an HIV/AIDS awareness education, organized by the Atorkor Development Foundation (ADF), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). Master Francis Modzaka, of the Wuti Junior Secondary School (JSS) came first, Victor Adzorlolo of Atorkor L/A JSS, second and Saviour Agbenyega of Srogbe East Ridge JSS had the third position in a quiz competition held to test the pupils' knowledge on the pandemic as part of the awareness forum organized in collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission.

ADF provided prizes for the three winners and the other pupils who participated in the quiz.

The pupils also staged a drama sketch highlighting the importance of abstinence and faithfulness to one's married partner as the best means of preventing the disease.

Mr. Wellington K. Gidisu, District Focal Person on community-based organizations (CBOs) advised the pupils to abstain from sex, which was the major mode of HIV/AIDS transmission.

He advised them to share the information on the disease with their peers and their parents as well as to concentrate on their books so as not to dash their future aspirations, reminding them that the disease still had no cure.

Mr. Simon Dewortor, District Director of Education said his outfit had made strides in awareness creation on the disease in the district and was hopeful that the ADF forum would further bring behavioural change in the school community.