Why you may ask?  “We have heard it all before, there is nothing more we need to know, we are too busy to run a workshop on a topic being discussed in various media campaigns” – “What’s my point you may ask?”

This is the point:  According to the World Health Organization ~ there were an estimated 39.5 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide in 2006, an estimated 37.2 million of these were adults, an estimated 17.7 million were women, and an estimated 2.3 million were children.  Why is this relevant?  Because despite the various campaigns being focused on HIV prevention an estimated 5.5 million people in South Africa are HIV positive and there is an average of 2000 new infections daily.

Now: “Do we know enough and can we afford to do nothing?” The South African department of health has identified four key areas to focus on over the next five years:  (1) Prevention; (2) Treatment, care and Support; (3) Monitoring, evaluation and research; and (4) human and legal rights.  Let us as Kolping members see where we fit in and what we can do, for ourselves, for our families and for our community.

We at KSA have taken on the challenge and incorporated HIV awareness into all aspects of our work and remain dedicated to working towards an HIV free generation in future.  As from February 2009 we have received accreditation for our HIV and lifeskills course

Click on the Thumbnails below to view slideshow:

What accreditation means for KSA?

Accreditation is the status attained after the SETQAA evaluation has found that a provider and training has met the eight core criteria as specified by SAQA. This status is valid for period of two years.

What are we able to do with accreditation?

1. We have a formal accreditation number – 2305.  An acceptable status for Department of Labour training and Expanded Public Works Program training
2. We are able to issue certificates of competence with our  lifeskills course and this contributes towards a national qualification for our learners.

To date all Training initiatives run by KSA since 2005 has included an HIV component and many learners have left the training grateful for the information shared and eager to further educate members of their communities and spread a clear idea of what HIV and Aids really is.  Kolping youth groups have presented short dramas depicting the reality of HIV in their communities and have indicated a strong willingness to further explore ways and means of working towards the struggle against HIV and Aids.  Their initiatives range from making music, to dancing and drumming, and even assisting in garden projects with provide mush needed vegatables for HIV positive individuals.

If you are interested in hosting an HIV workshop, with a youth group, a Kolping family, a Church group, confirmation class or any other interested groups, or for more information please contact the Kolping National Office at 021 975 9722.