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Peer educators honoured for putting together life puzzles
1 July 2009 By Keotshepile wa Mogotsi THE selflessness and dedication of Mogale City's peer educators attest that municipal employees are in safe hands. In gratitude, the City's employee assistance programme (EAP) unit honoured the altruistic team by handing out awards to the exponents of healthy living. The awards ceremony, at the Mogale City Centenary Hall, was a glitzy, fashionable affair. Municipal employees and peer educators traded their normal working attire for more stylish garments. The function was orchestrated by the EAP unit to recognise the changes brought to the working environment by the peer educators. Educators amplify the aims of the unit, which promotes a healthy lifestyle for all employees, enhances the quality of life of all employees and their immediate family members, and enhances operational productivity and work performance. Widely known as "Condom Kings", the peer educators use training and support to effect change and are part of the City's response to HIV and Aids. All municipal departments are expected to have at least one peer educator in their ranks. Receivers of awards were also honoured for championing HIV prevention and care programmes, and speaker after speaker spoke about how the group provided basic information on healthy living in a friendly way. The EAP unit, together with peer educators, champions various awareness programmes in the work place, including Condom Week, World Aids Day, Candle Lighting Memorial, voluntary counselling and testing, and Wellness Day, among others.Sing praises
The EAP office, under the wings of manager Priscilla Lekgetho and wellness officer Nando Tlou, invited municipal leaders to witness the ceremony; however, the audience was mainly made up of ordinary employees who sang the praises of their peer educators.
Speaking at the ceremony, SAPS peer educator Simon Mmileng emphasised that peer education in the workplace remained a challenge, pointing to "self-centered people, discrimination and stigma".
But Shirley Mathebula, the City's social services executive manager, who spoke on behalf of the municipal manager, Dan Mashitisho, congratulated peer educators on a job well done. "I am honestly happy that your programmes are exposed outside and thank you for voluntarily using your time to help other people. Take fulfillment that God sees what you are doing for others," she said.
A presentation by Talent Emporium's Dorothy Masilo explained how peer educators and their importance in the workplace works. "The Department of Labour highlighted that the core of HIV/Aids education and training was the use of peer educators who have either volunteered or been nominated to conduct HIV/Aids sessions and give support to fellow employees."
The well-organised business of the day culminated in peer educators receiving certificates and gift packs. Brenda Matlhage, a public safety traffic officer, was voted Peer Educator of the Year.
Pastor Mes blessed the occasion. Also present was the portfolio head of health, Emily Mathe; the motivational speaker, Rethabiseng Makebe; the manager of human capital, Mr Matsapola; and the manager of corporate support services, Eunice Tlhoki Segatlhe, also attended.
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 Mogale City honours its selfless peer educators
Remembering those affected and infected by HIV/Aids: Pastor Mes lights a candle
Related stories Peer educators to take teaching to colleagues Wellness Day a big success Staff remember those no longer with them Workshop looks at HIV/Aids pandemic Mogale City fights HIV/Aids Vision of Aids haven a step closer to reality Council to spend R1,5m on Aids haven
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