Lovitiana's story

Lovitiana, 15, is one of several young people trained by Y Care International’s partner YMCA as peer educators, helping to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS in Madagascar.

“When I was young my mother worked hard to support my two brothers and me, so we could get an education,” says Lovitiana. “But life was difficult. When I wasn’t at school, we would wash other people’s linen to earn enough to buy food each day”.

Since Lovitiana has joined the YMCA, they have provided her with school supplies and a meal each day, as well as medical and social care. “More than anything, my involvement with the YMCA has opened my eyes to the problems affecting young people in society. Now I am being trained as a peer educator in my community”.

Lovitiana meets with young people every week, and uses drama, song and games to approach sensitive issues. “I talk about puberty and adolescence, HIV and AIDS and drug abuse.”

In the past Lovitiana wasn’t well informed about sexual and reproductive health, but now people come to her for advice. “I can’t say it’s always easy. But the YMCA’s information on sexual health encourages open discussion. When I am not sure of something, I refer them to their parents or other trainers.

“I want to improve my skills to really get my message across. I hope that the YMCA develops even more activities so that together we can continue to educate young people on the issues and choices they face”.