The training was part of the annual National Cadet Corps (NCC) camp, being held at Safdarjung Enclave in collaboration with Partners in Development Initiatives (PDI), a group that works on reproductive and sexual health issues.

The cadets were divided into groups and were given simple statements and situations pertaining to HIV/AIDS and drug abuse to analyse and discuss. The cadets, provided with red, green and orange-coloured flags, were eager to register their responses and have their queries addressed. The red flag meant a statement was false; green meant it was true, while orange signified disagreement within the group.

Queries on issues such as the difference between the HIV infection and AIDS to upcoming research on AIDS vaccines were raised and dealt with. An interactive session was also held where they engaged on a personal level with trained group facilitators.

“The HIV prevalence rate is highest among the age group of 15-40. We encouraged these adolescents to perform a self evaluation of their attitudes for a better understanding of the problems of this age group,” said Arpita, a member of the PDI.

Since the cadets have already been exposed to these issues at the school and college level, an effort was made to build on the existing knowledge base. “I found these cadets very aware about issues and also very forthcoming in their queries. This signifies a promising trend, which will help in our efforts to spread awareness,” said Dr Savitri, a member of the PDI and one of the programme facilitators.

Earlier, the cadets were given the themes of drug abuse and AIDS awareness as topics for poster making and posters they made as part of groups were also put on display.

“As a part of NCC training, we always provide cadets with basic knowledge modules like health, HIV/AIDS and traffic regulation. Additionally, camps like these provide forums where we can train and sensitise them and also encourage them to carry the message forward to their schools and families,” said Colonel Sodhi, CO of the camp.