PESCO vacation programme holds prize giving ceremony

32 youths from the Pennistion community participated last week Friday in a prize giving ceremony for the 7th annual Penniston Educational Sports and Cultural Organisation (PESCO) vacation programme.{{more}}

The one week programme, which was held under the theme “Empowering youths to face the challenges,” brought together youths between the ages of 8-18, and educated them about several aspects of life, including AIDS and STDs, Leadership, Personal Hygiene, Interpersonal Relationship, Nature Education, Discipline and Creativity.

Last week Tuesday, Patrick Prescod from the Planned Parenthood Association and Odinga Louie of National Aids Secretariat addressed the youths on the topic HIV/AIDS and how it can be prevented and transmitted, and the necessary precautions they can take to prevent catching the disease.

The other organizations that participated in this year’s programme are the Ministry of Health and the Environment, Planned Parenthood Association, Kool Riderz Motorcycle Club, Ministry of Agriculture, National Youth Council, Youth Department, and persons from the community.

Speaking at last Friday’s closing ceremony, Assistant Youth Officer in the Ministry of Youth Faustina Lewis pledged her Ministry’s continued support to youth development programmes and urged the participants to be steadfast in everything they do.

The closing ceremony also heard remarks from President of PESCO Michael Johnson.