Together We Can Refresher at Guyana Red Cross Lethem Branch

The Lethem Branch of the Guyana Red Cross (GRC) recently completed a five-day Together We Can (TWC) peer-education refresher training. Eleven peer educators (PEs) participated in the workshop held at the breezy Takatu Benab in Lethem. 

At each refresher, the Branch tailors its’ training to deal with the issues raised by peer educators at previous workshops.

This time around, the GRC partnered with Peace Corps volunteers (PCV) to deliver quality information on Communication, Reproductive Health and Blood donation. 

Conducting the sessions were enthusiastic Instructor Trainers Jason Foo and Kristen Russell (PCV).  A lot of interesting questions were asked on the various presentations.  Some project adaptations were later done by National Trainer, Julie Kanhai.

The trainers reinforced information through various forms of edutainment which included phone research, brochure reviews and “Jeopardy – The Reproductive Health approach.”

Nine entrants also took part in an ‘energizer slam out’. The competition was started by nine-year old Sapphire Kanhai with the ‘Elastic.’ It was a tight battle with entries like Aye Pepeta and Charades but PE Eulex Franklin emerged the victor with her ‘Elephant Face’.

“This refresher was refreshing!  It was exactly what we needed!  I now feel energised for TWC sessions planned for the upcoming dry season,” said PE Ketlen Williams.

“I want to help share my knowledge with other youths on how to protect themselves from STI and unplanned pregnancies and to deal with Peer Pressure. Our trainers are the best!” 

Following the refresher training, PEs arranged a TWC session for young people in the nearby community of Moco Moco. They also began planning events for Amerindian Heritage Month in September.