INDIA: School Youth Empowerment Programme
India has a population of one billion people, around half of whom are adults in the sexually active age group. The spread of HIV in India has been inconsistent, as much of the country reports a low rate of infection while the southern States are disproportionately affected by the epidemic. The number of AIDS cases in Tamil Nadu, the region where SPW works, was reported to be 48,180* in March 2005.
SPW Volunteer Peer Educators (VPEs) teach using non-formal education techniques in public schools (around 1500 students) in rural and semi-urban communities. By working with SPW India partner organisations, volunteers serve as a catalyst and facilitator in addressing important social, health and environmental issues in each placement community.
SPW India has one main office in Vellore. All placements are located within reach of the office making frequent interaction with SPW staff possible and communication with other volunteers easy.
Click here to visit the SPW India Website.
Click here for more information on SPW India.
 |
 |
As an SPW Volunteer Peer Educator you may:
-
Educate and empower young people and marginalised sections of society
-
Improve access to basic health care information
-
Create sustainable livelihood opportunities, (e.g. introducing organic farming and kitchen gardening techniques)
-
Encourage people to take responsibility for their environment and to improve their standard of living
-
Work through Women’s Sangams (women’s groups
-
Set up clubs in schools where informal learning and personal development can take place
-
Organise awareness raising activities within the wider community
Case Study
“In Kilkothur we focused on creative ways of delivering a health club curriculum to the students in the form of health classes. We designed a number of creative health classes to be delivered to all standards, sometimes with help from health club students on value education, nutrition, diarrhea, malaria, elephantiasis, common cold, tuberculosis prevention and treatment, adolescent health (in partnership with CHAD, our local NGO), toilet and sanitation education, and HIV and AIDS. We also supplemented the school by setting up a zero-waste management unit, a kitchen garden and a library. In addition, we conducted a community awareness rally and a programme on HIV and AIDS.” ~Nikhath Akthar, HEP Volunteer
Country Information
Background: India is a sensual overload! Every state has its own language, traditions, religious beliefs and characteristics. Vellore district in the state of Tamil Nadu is home to magnificent temples, Near to beautiful beaches, the cool Nilgiri Hills and Chennai, the fourth largest city in India.
Tamilians view themselves as the most purely Indian state of all. The Tamilians are among the friendliest people in India and once volunteers have adjusted to the bustling nature of Indian streets, you will discover a sense of easy going calm underneath the superficial chaos.
Language: Tamil, the third officially accepted language in Parliament after Hindi and English
Religion: Hindu with small Christian and Muslim populations
Food:
-
Staple - a typical meal in Tamil Nadu consists of rice, lentils, grains and vegetables
-
Meat - available but Hindus do not eat beef
-
Vegetarianism - most people practice vegetarianism. Fest on rice, lentils, grains and vegetables accompanied by chutneys, pickles and papaddams
-
Other - food tends to be spicy and hot! Coconut, tamarind, mustard seeds, red chillies, curry leaves and groundnut oil are common in most dishes
