Lowvelder article- GRIP Youth Camp that was held on 10 October 2009

GRIP held a camp for 470 youth's on Saturday 10 October 2009 at the Leo Camp grounds outside Nelspruit. 470 children from rural areas within the Lowveld were selected by teachers and were enrolled in GRIP's Peer Education Group. These youths have already received individual sessions and filled in questionnaires regarding their believes and needs. A manual was developed by GRIP's Monitoring and Evaluation officer that included all the information that was used in the Group work sessions that started in April 2009 and ended in September 2009. During the gender sensitive group sessions the groups were conducted in area specific groups and each group met at least once a month. The last phase of the programme ended on the 10th of October and concluded with a life skill and lessons learned camp. The true impact of this annual programme was evaluated at the camp. The main goals of the Peer Education programme were to ensure sufficient opportunity, information, practical guidance and support to role model youths in order to delay sexual relationships, or to abstain. The children were also being taught to live healthy, responsible and respected lifestyles. The day started with welcoming of the quests done by the CEO of GRIP, Annesta Hofer and the quests included the youth present, Sweet Mike from Ligwalagwala Radio Station, SAPS, Party in a Box, Leo's camping managers, and all the GRIP staff. Thembi Tshabalala and Verah Vilakazi from GRIP, who were responsible for the Peer Education, ensured that the camp was highly successful and the programme included presentations, sports, drama, singing, and feedback on lessons learned. These 470 youths were given the task to motivate and influence their peers in a positive manner and to start a chain of good standards, norms and believes between the youth and therefore eliminating rape, assault, drug abuse, sexual activity with multiple partners and juvenile behaviour.