Originally posted on 5/1/2005
Nigerian youth are affected the most by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, robbing the nation of future leaders. In Nigeria, youth account for over 30% of all HIV/AIDS cases. HIV prevalence among 15-19 year olds is 5.9%. The fastest growing rate of HIV infections globally is among youth between the ages of 15 and 24, and now account for 60% of all new infections in Nigeria.
Despite these daunting statistics, no concrete programs exist in Nigeria for youth to build leadership capacity in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention by providing opportunities for young people to gain and expand their skills as educators, researchers and advocates. The World Bank funded the implementation of theYoung Scientists and Engineers Tele-Academy at the Owerri Digital Village, a program designed to use technology to research, document and disseminate educational materials on the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.
Through innovative open and distance learning (ODL) methodologies, this program will connect rural youth in the eastern Nigerian region with other youth and adults worldwide, and with leading educators, scientists, engineers and business executives to research, document and disseminate information related to real needs in their communities. Program activities will include computer and internet training, online education, science research and group collaboration exercises. Partners in this program include the John C. Ford Program/GEI project, Mgbala Agwa Youth Forum and the World Bank Small Grants Program.
