The group is expected to undergo training for the next three months, after which those who have successfully completed the programme will be certified as Commonwealth Youth for Positive Living.

A group of 23 Guyanese youth recently recruited by the Commonwealth Youth Programme Caribbean Centre, (CYPCC) completed the first in a series of training sessions to become Commonwealth Youth for Positive Living (CYPL) on June 2 in Georgetown, Guyana.

The CYPL programme, a youth HIV/AIDS initiative introduced by CYPCC, seeks to combat the spread of the HIV virus among young people, between the ages of 15-29 years, by promoting "positive living".

The sessions which were facilitated by CYPL youth trainers Keeran Williams and Natasha Grovesnor, walked the group through the reflective process of self-awareness and self-examination with the intention of deepening each participants' understanding of themselves.

Three simple questions, which proved to be disquieting for many, were asked: Who are you? What do you want? What do you have going for you? Each participant was required to list 20 things that describe who they are as a person; 20 of their immediate and long-term needs and wants (physical, emotional, financial etc); and 20 qualities and attributes they posses that will help them to attain their needs and wants.

CYPL recruits participate in a group activity.

Topics for the remaining sessions include further self-awareness, self-development training, developing a 5 year plan, behaviour change, discipline, public speaking, facilitation skills and HIV/AIDS/STIs and reproductive health. The group is expected to undergo training for the next three months, after which those who have successfully completed the programme will be certified as Commonwealth Youth for Positive Living. They will then be expected to participate in the CYPL  outreach activities by facilitating positive living sessions, aimed at reducing risky behaviour and promotion behaviour change among young people including PLWHAs.