Kosrae Red Cross Team Visits Students for HIV/AIDS and STI Outreach

TOFOL, Kosrae (December 5, 2012) – The Kosrae Red Cross Team made a surprise visit to Kosrae Campus students as part of their HIV/AIDS and STI Outreach program during the last week of November.

Mr. Hans Skilling and Kosrae HIV Coordinator Mr. Barry Mongkeya moderated the team. Trained teen volunteers also took part by sharing, teaching and playing with students and other college community members who wanted to participate in the educational games prepared by the visitors.

The team began their presentation by explaining HIV, AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s). Trained volunteers, Srue Tosie, Gifford Nena, and Merise Thompson, led the Kosrae Campus students to explore issues relating to HIV and AIDS infection as well as common STI’s that haunt Kosrae communities. Each volunteer spent a minute to talk about HIV, AIDS and STI’s and transmission modes as well as prevention practices.

The students were reluctant to engage in the discussions at first, but they finally gave in when Hans Skilling shared the story about Magic Johnson, the NBA player who is HIV positive for about 20 years and has remained in good health. The visitors also shared some stories about HIV transmission in the FSM, which aroused further student interest on the subject.                               

The visit ended with a card game with HIV, AIDS and STI illustrations where students were given the opportunity to identify risk levels based on the illustrations. The game was used for measuring how well the students understand the message.

“The students do understand HIV, AIDS and the means of transmission as well as ways to prevent it. After all, the surprising visit taught… the students something to be aware of. Live happy, act smart, stay safe. Just about what we need to ‘Get To Zero,’” said, Maver Jonathan, Kosrae Campus Student Services Specialist.