The number of Campus Aids Prevention (CAP) peer counselors on campus has increased. Seventeen new peer counselors underwent a two-day training session Oct. 24, 25 in the Favrot Student Union building.The training was facilitated by Susan Wible, Regional HIV coordinator for North Louisiana, who has facilitated the last four trainings for new persons.
“I think the training went well and while at times they veered into different areas, I believe they got the information they needed to know to do their job,” Wible said.
The facilitator is no stranger to the field, since she has facilitated a number of training programs around the US and is actively involved in HIV/AIDS counseling.
The training comprised of information sharing, lectures and a number of practical exercises aiming at improving the skills of the peer-counselors to effectively deal with circumstances that may occur in dealing with clients.
Among the topics discussed were the origin of HIV/AIDS, testing and partner notification, prevention & risk reduction among others.
CAP coordinator, Dana Howard said the training was part of the “Make a Difference Day” activities that was observed on Saturday. Howard said the program was established since 1990 and over 500 persons have been trained.
The CAP program is expected to participate in the Homecoming Parade on Saturday. At a later date they will receive their certificates and will spring into action.
Students who participated were happy to hear that their involvement earns them 16 community hours. Several students expressed their pleasure with the training and believe that they will be able to use the information for their own development and that of their peers.