Moral values project launched to reduce HIV infection rate

A moral values project is currently underway which, when completed, will have two ambassadors — one male and female, who will promote the benefits of abstinence, fidelity and chastity and HIV testing.

Anderson Figaro, founder of the Chaguanas based non governmental organisation Voice of One Overcomers Club, said it is conducting the project which it offers an alternative to the dual messages being disseminated. It is being sponsored by RBTT, First Citizens Bank, and Farmland MissChem Ltd. He said youths are being told about abstinence, but they are also advised that if they are sexually active to use a condom. Figaro said the project is based on the one used in Uganda. This country has been able to reduce its HIV infection rate. “They went the way of fidelity, chastity, abstinence and HIV testing.” The moral values project, will last seven years. The first part is currently taking place with an essay competition for schools in central Trinidad which has as its theme “Choice not chance determines destiny”.

Their entries will reflect why abstinence, fidelity, chastity and HIV testing will work. Deadline for the competition is April 19. “The youths taking part will understand the research needed before becoming sexually active”, Figaro said.  The second step involves selecting those who wrote the best essays to be participants judged before a panel and live audience. Two individuals who are judged the best will represent the project. “It is sickening to hear big men and women blaming each other for HIV infection,” Figaro said. While it may be an individual’s right to be sexually active, he said they should not until they research the sexual history of their partners. He said becoming sexually active today is not about chance but choice. He described it as an exam where research must be done. The project will be targeting uninfected youths and preparing them to make the right choice.

Figaro said it is not competing with other programmes but presenting an alternative that has proven to be successful in Uganda. He asserted that condoms only promoted risky behaviour and did not stem the rising incidence of HIV/AIDS in society. “Condoms have their use such as with HIV positive couples, and those who have HIV, but to provide it as an alternative to youths is destructive.”