EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAMME
PEER EDUCATOR IN FULL SWING

The Employee Wellness Unit has embarked on a vigorous training programme for Peer Educators.

This will be a group of officials equipped with knowledge and skills to champion and strengthen ongoing efforts to not only create awareness about HIV but fight stigmatisation. Also, the Peers will provide support, counselling and other helpful strategies to employees infected and affected by HIV.

The Peer Education Programme is one of the most effective strategies and tools used to spread the message of workplace wellness and address the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Significantly, the DAC has contracted service provider The Careways Group. They recently conducted its first training sessions of Peer Educators from the various units within the Department.

Already, 10 employees, namely Francis Moloi, Mmathapelo Mataboge, Beauty Makaya-Manthata, Sylvia Makapan, Nkwenkwezi Languza, Winnie Nkuna, Mankidi Mokone, Opelo Thole, Bongiwe Ntinjana, Karabelo Mfikoe, Employee Wellness Coordinator Judith Mbutuma and Special Programme Officer Kgomotso Mahapa successfully completed the three-day Peer Educator Training from 27 to 29 July 2011.  

The purpose of the training and presence of the Peer Educators in the Department is to interact with their peers, to sensitise them regarding the impact of HIV and AIDS. “These ten trained and fully-fledged Peer Educator employees will serve as the “link” between the EWP and employees, serving a supportive role for employees who are infected and affected by HIV and AIDS” Ms Mahapa said.

On completion of their training the Peer Educators will regularly be updated with the latest information on HIV and AIDS and will serve as the referral agents of the EWP to mentor and guide with positive HIV and AIDS messages.

When it comes to the Peer Educator Programme in the workplace the Department has met the set standards: 1 Peer Educator for every 50 employees (as per the required ratio for effective functioning of Peer Educator).