PROJECT WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL GRANTS FOUNDATION WAS LAUNCHED
Starting from July 1, 2021 “FOCUS-MEDIA” Foundation with the financial support of the Presidential Grant Foundation started a new project “Peer Mentors – Champions of effective prevention of HIV and other health threats to youth”.
The project aims to reduce risky behaviour among young people aged 15-18 living in small communities in Kemerovo and Orenburg regions and the Republic of Udmurtia by introducing a comprehensive programme of HIV/STI, substance abuse, alcohol and tobacco prevention in educational institutions.
For the first time, the project will develop and test a comprehensive prevention program, including all “FOCUS-MEDIA” Foundation’s projects developments in the area and involve peer mentors (Champions) and out-of-school teachers in joint work in educational institutions.
The main method is experiential learning: both Champions and participants take part in role-playing games and exercises related to the real life of teenagers, give them reliable information, and offer different situations to practice aiming to develop life skills; then participants are involved in volunteer activities.
The project will result in increased awareness and decreased risk behavior of the project target group regarding HIV/STIs, abuse of substances (tobacco, alcohol, psychoactive substances); participants involvement in volunteer activities. Teachers and peer mentors will receive skills to implement the program and all the necessary materials and manuals.
