The Estonian Association Anti-AIDS
is a non-profit association involved with the prevention of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
History
The first case of HIV infection in Estonia was registered in 1988. In 1990, when there was no national prevention organisation, the Estonian Association Anti-AIDS was founded by volunteers (doctors, scientists, teachers, cultural workers, religious leaders, youth workers). The association developed a prevention strategy that formed the basis for the State AIDS Prevention Programme approved by the Government of the Republic of Estonia in 1992.
The beginning of the 90s: the period of the mass media
We considered the prevention of the sexual transmission of AIDS to be of great importance. At that time people were not accustomed to talking openly about sex. The mass media was, however, enthusiastic in reporting on the topic of sexuality and AIDS. We used this fact to convey information concerning the avoidance of HIV infection to as large an audience as possible.
The mid-90s: the period of publications
In September 1993 the Estonian government began to finance HIV/AIDS prevention work, which had until then been supported only by sponsors. Many training sessions directed by specialists from the World Health Organisation were held. In 1994 and 1995 we issued more than 30 prevention publications, and a third of the print run was in Russian. AIDS-related writing and poster competitions were popular among young people.
Since 1996 the non-profit Estonian Association Anti-AIDS has done prevention work only with funds from the EU PHARE Programme, the Open Estonia Foundation and other endowed projects.
The end of one century and the beginning of another: the period of the promotion of healthy behaviour based on the individual
The content of prevention work has gradually expanded: from narrow prevention of the transmission of HIV/AIDS, we have arrived at the promotion of healthy sexual behaviour. In recent years we have also added to our training sessions instruction of the ability to say “no” to drugs.
Present activities
Target group: teenagers and young people
In youth, people search for a lifestyle, their own personal fashion and an identity. This is accompanied by experimentation and risk-taking.
Young people begin acquiring sexual experience at around age seventeen. By that age they must be able to avoid the dangers involved with their sexuality, including HIV/AIDS, numerous sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.
In contemporary society young people often do not have anybody to depend on but themselves.
Young people have the right to acquire information concerning how to protect their sexual health, so that they may distinguish facts from myths and prejudice. In addition to knowledge, young people also require skills: the ability to resist pressure, resolve conflicts, etc., but also support in making decisions.
Young people as co-operation partners
Educating youth to become opinion leaders
who can influence the understandings, attitudes and behaviour of their peers. Since 1997 we have trained young people who are interested in teaching their peers.
Training for teens and young people
takes place in the form of 4-hour workshops, where girls and young men communicate with each other and the workshop facilitator. The topics are healthy sexual behaviour, HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, self-assertion and avoiding narcotics. Young people are specialists in youth culture, attitudes and value judgements. Occasionally even young people who no longer have ties to a school have come to the training sessions.
Young people’s opinions
are important, and we use these in subsequent workshops.
From young people we acquire knowledge
about their health behaviour, social skills, self-esteem etc. We have generalised the experiences of the workshops and presented these to prevention and public health specialists at scientific forums in Estonia and abroad.
Young people differ a great deal
By age
Although we deal with the above topics in all workshops, we vary methods and information to make these suitable to the age of the participants.
By gender
The sexual health component of traditional health education is largely oriented towards girls, their hygiene and reproductive health.
Our experience demonstrates that boys and young men are also eager to learn and to be responsible in protecting both their own health and that of their partner.
Usually both sexes participate in our workshops at the same time, which permits us to investigate the attitudes, value judgements and understandings of the two sexes towards each other.
By environment
We offer health education to both Estonian-speaking and Russian-speaking youths in their mother tongues, in order for all details to be understood and to take cultural differences into consideration.
By lifestyle
Some youths’ lifestyle puts them in greater danger. They also generally have limited motivation, skills and knowledge to protect their health. We have met youths with risk behaviour in workshops, when they have trusted contact with adults: in shelters and in the framework of special programmes of district schools.
Where do we meet young people?
In schools
Sexual education is not offered at all Estonian schools. Roughly a quarter of Russian-speaking youths were unable to remember it from their school days. In many cases sexual education in schools involves the distribution of information, and skills for healthy behaviour are rarely taught. Information alone will not change young people’s behaviour.
Our workshops, which are primarily oriented towards the teaching of health behaviour skills, are a suitable supplement to what is done in schools.
Outside school
At summer camps, youth events and ordinary gatherings, young people feel less restrained by rules. In such places it is easier to make contact with those who feel excluded at school. Those who no longer attend school also come to youth events more willingly than to school. Usually fewer young people participate in out-of-school workshops, and their interests can better be taken into consideration.
At mass events
We operate at many youth events. Since 1993 we have participated in international campaigns on an annual basis: World AIDS Day (December 1), the AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day (in May) and Europe Against AIDS.
How we work with young people
At workshops we mainly use group work.
Group work
is considered a behaviour motivation forming method. At the same time as the acquisition of health skills is taking place, young people gather necessary information. Young people participate in discussion groups, in solving tasks and in “trying out” different roles.
Showing videos
and the subsequent discussion permit the demonstration and explanation of areas that are difficult to imagine.
Role play
is a safe means for playing out diverse situations.
HIV/AIDS prevention theatre production
Based on the productive co-operation that took place with the Vanalinna Stuudio theatre in the early 90s in the use of theatrical productions, we have a partnership with the non-profit association RAAAM for the creation of a similar production designed for young people.
Answers to personal questions
We encourage young people to approach the youth counselling offices, where they can obtain individual consultation from specialists about their personal problems.
Use of the new media
In 1996 a computer slide programme for HIV/AIDS prevention was prepared by a young computer enthusiast.
Other co-operation partners
The best partners for broad-based prevention work are teachers. They shape the school environment into one that promotes health. Teachers can also help students make choices.
We organise teacher training sessions in which we present new information in HIV/AIDS prevention and active learning methods for the teaching of health skills. A compilation of methodological materials has been developed for teachers’ purposes.
We co-operate with the Tallinn Social Welfare and Health Care Board, the Board of Education, the AIDS Prevention Centre and we have also been supported by the:
World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe,
Landstinget förebygger AIDS, Stockholm, Sweden
National Institute of Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
National Institute of Public Health, Helsinki, Finland
Open Estonia Foundation
EU Phare Lien Program
EU PHARE Access Program
Family Health International, USA
USA Embassy, Public Affairs Section
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
All support for HIV/AIDS prevention may be transferred to the following account:
ESTONIAN ANTI-AIDS ASSOCIATION
SWEDBANK code 767
Liivalaia 8, Tallinn 15040
A/c 221017694893
SWIFT kood/BIC: HABAEE2X
IBAN: EE592200221017694893
Chairperson of the Board of the Estonian Association Anti-AIDS
Ester Väljaots
Kari 6-4, Tallinn, Estonia 10313
Tel. +372 5282315
E-mail: ester@ego-koolitus.ee