Gomoa Aboso (C/R), March 26, GNA- The Sara Communication Initiative (SCI) in conjunction with the African Youth Alliance, have organized a day's training workshop on behavioural change and HIV/AIDS for Junior Secondary School teachers in the Gomoa district.

It was aimed at updating the knowledge of the 47 participants from five circuits in the district on syphilis, HIV/AIDS, use of condoms and sexual behavioural change.

Mr J.E. S. Baffoe, Assistance Director of Education in charge of Finance and Administration, called on parents to assist teachers in educating school children on HIV/AIDS and reproductive health. Ms Theresa L.A. Paidoo, Assistance Director in charge of Girl-Child Education in the Gomoa district, expressed concern about low girl enrolment and retention in schools.

She called on opinion leaders, assembly members and parents to encourage the education of the youth, especially that of the girl-child. Ms Paidoo regretted that young people between 10 and 19 years accounted for 33 percent of all new HIV cases reported at the various health institutions in the country.

She urged the participants to impart the knowledge they had acquired to school children to enable them prevent themselves against HIV/AIDS.