New HIV and AIDS organisation for young people is launched

New HIV and AIDS organisation for young people is launched.

OneVoice South Africa today announced the launch of their new organisation. Meaningful participation of young people is at the heart of its new HIV and AIDS prevention programme, which recognises that young people are not only the beneficiaries of such interventions, but are also proactive leaders in their communities.

Moving from childhood to adolescence to adulthood, young people are in a stage of transition, which is a time of both risk and opportunity for change. OneVoice South Africa acknowledges that young people are a great potential resource to themselves, their families, communities and societies. However, to be able to fulfill this inherent potential, young people need to be exposed to the knowledge and skills which allow them to make the best possible choices for their lives and futures.

Formerly known as ‘dance4life South Africa’, OneVoice South Africa has worked in the HIV and AIDS prevention field as a non-governmental organisation for four and a half years, during which time staff have acquired a wealth of experience in developing and implementing HIV and AIDS projects with and for young people.

OneVoice South Africa works with young people (12–19 years) and is currently implementing a successful Schools Programme in 73 schools across KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. The Schools Programme has been developed within a South African context and focuses on life skills, sexual reproductive health and HIV and AIDS issues, and is presented in creative and engaging ways, while helping young people address health issues affecting their lives.

OneVoice South Africa is based in Durban (KwaZulu-Natal), with regional offices in East London (Eastern Cape) and in Cape Town (Western Cape). The organisation is funded by USAID and PEPFAR through Johns Hopkins Health & Education in South Africa. This collaborative effort highlights a jointly-held focus on promoting HIV prevention through life skills training and positive peer interaction, which in turn allows young people to address health issues in their communities.



Journalist Notes on OneVoice South Africa:

OneVoice South Africa is passionate about working with young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, from different geographical areas and from various settings, including in education and in the community for the following reasons:

· most young people become sexually active between 13 and 24;

· most new infections are between 15 and 24, mainly among young women;

· young people’s minds are more receptive to creative and inclusive messaging; and

young people are our future leaders and role models.


Our Vision

A safe and creative environment where young people are part of the collective voice to develop positive lifestyles in the HIV and AIDS response.

Mission

To promote meaningful participation of young people in making informed decisions about health and lifestyle, including sexual reproductive health within our communities.

Website: www.onevoice.org.za

For more information please email:

Marlijn van Berne (Communications and Media Manager) at marlijn@onevoice.org.za or Ravind Sewpersad (Communications and Media Officer) at ravind@onevoice.org.za or 031 202 0555.