Tobago Aids Society And Tobago Oasis Foundation Contribute To Training Workshop

More than 30 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Trinidad and Tobago work on HIV/AIDS issues: stigma and discrimination, access to testing and medical care, education and prevention. Mobilizing resources - using people, information, and equipment effectively, getting "bang for the buck" - is an acquired skill, one not taught in schools. Currently, NGOs lack experience in finding, targeting and retaining resources. The challenge? To train organizations to make the most of limited resources in fighting the scourge of HIV/AIDS. The recent capacity building training session for HIV/AIDS NGOs in Trinidad and Tobago showcased cooperation between various organizations and taught new skills.

To strengthen the ability of civil society organizations in Trinidad & Tobago to implement HIV/AIDS projects, by increasing their knowledge, confidence and skills in resource mobilization, the Caribbean Coalition of National AIDS Programme Coordinators (CCNAPC), the National AIDS Coordination Committee, International HIV/AIDS Alliance Caribbean Office, the U.S. Embassy (Trinidad) and CDC Caribbean Regional Office held a series of four workshops over a five-month period. Ten NGOs,
including two from Tobago, Tobago Oasis Foundation and the  Tobago AIDS Society, participated in the workshops and contributed their ideas and expertise.

Initial feedback suggests that the process was a success. The real test of success, however, will be whether participant NGOs successfully secure new resources that will allow them to fight HIV/AIDS effectively.  The implementing organizations will hold follow-up workshops at three and six month intervals, to evaluate the process and determine if the skills and knowledge acquired were useful and effective.