Belize City youths “lock-in” to learn about AIDS

If you’re between the ages of thirteen and twenty and have not yet made plans for the weekend, here’s an activity you might be interested in. The Peer Education Association of Belize is sponsoring a “lock-in” for young people on Saturday. It’s the second of its kind and organizers say the one-day workshop will focus on AIDS and HIV education. Over thirty youths, mainly from Belize City are expected to attend the “lock-in.” According to Pearl Ellis a consultant with the National Aids Task Force, the goal of the program is to put a halt to the increase of HIV/AIDS in Belize.

Pearl Ellis, Consultant, National AIDS Task Force

“It is very important for the youths to learn about HIV/AIDS because here in Belize as well as worldwide there has been a high increase in HIV/AIDS and it is significant among the youths.”

Jacqueline Dragone, P.E.P. Member

“This weekend’s lock-in will be held at the Girl Guides on Regent Street. In the morning there will be self-esteem, team building, sexuality – all these programs deal with team building and personal development of the youth. We think that in order to increase awareness, not only on HIV/AIDS, but their confidence as youth also.”

Persons interested in taking part in the “lock-in” on Saturday are asked to show up at the Girl Guides Association headquarters on Regent Street at seven o’clock, Saturday morning. The cost of the day’s program is two dollars.