Under the Local Capacity Initiative (LCI) Project, the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) completed a two day Youth Consultative Workshop from the 26th – 27th October 2017 at the Coco Palm Resorts, Saint Lucia. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss existing HIV/AIDS knowledge and sexual behaviour among CARICOM youth, learn strategies for developing targeted health (HIV/AIDS) messages and enable CYAs to acquire skills in developing briefs to advocate with policymakers at the national and regional level on the priority issues affecting youth. The advocacy strategies developed at the meeting will be incorporated into the PANCAP Regional Advocacy Strategy which is being developed.

The CYAs participated in the LCI Project capacity building training and were awarded a small grant (US$50,000) to implement policy and advocacy activities. The CYAs designed a two-phase project targeting young people aged 15 – 29 to (i) increase knowledge and influence behaviour surrounding HIV/AIDS and (ii) address stigma and discrimination, and advocate for key populations. In the first phase, an electronic Knowledge Attitude and Practices (KAP) survey was conducted to inform the repackaging of HIV prevention messages to reach the target demographic. Whilst in phase two, an assessment to determine the needs of the target group is currently being conducted. The findings from this assessment will complement the advocacy needs identified at the Regional Youth Leaders Meeting held in April 2017.

The advocacy strategies developed at this meeting will be incorporated into the PANCAP Regional Advocacy Strategy which is being developed.
The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Programme (CYAP) provides a unique platform for leadership development and collaboration that can strengthen the participation of a more diverse and better-informed youth constituency in CARICOM decision making. The CYAP works within 18 Member States through their CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs), community Institutions, and other regional and international stakeholders to design, implement and execute programmes and projects to address youth issues (including HIV/AIDS) at the national level within a regional strategic framework.

Read more about the LCI Project here.