17 Mar 2015

Programme assistant officer for Students Against Rape (SAR) clubs, Ms Carragh Erhardt, says the clubs help young generations to deal with issues of violence and sexual abuse as well as rape in their communities.

Speaking during the SAR clubs debate competition at Maun Secondary School, Ms Erhardt said the clubs’ debate helped students to improve their research skills and encourage interaction with others to promote their self-esteem.

“Students Against Rape (SAR) clubs were voluntary associations of students interested in activities that prevent rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and violence targeted to students whether in schools, at home or in the community,” she said.

Ms Erhardt said the clubs were also involved in creating awareness among students on issues regarding adolescent sexual activities and reproductive health including, HIV and AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), teenage pregnancy, and stigma.

She said students also discussed topics such as peer pressure, alcohol and drug abuse, and self-esteem. SAR clubs operated under Women Against Rape (WAR).

Ms Erhardt said WAR provided technical assistance to each club by training members in different skills, including personal life skills, peer education and counseling as well as club management.

In addition, Ms Erhardt said WAR’s role in the programme was to provide overarching support for the clubs management and leadership skills to present to classes or at assemblies as requested, and to facilitate inter-school activities such as the annual debate competition.

“SAR clubs provide students with the knowledge, skills, and support they need in order to make healthy decisions about their relationships and their future,” she said.

She said students who enrolled in SAR clubs were encouraged to become activists within their community for peace and gender equity.

Furthermore, she said that the clubs targeted junior and senior secondary school students, however the clubs were encouraged to conduct outreach with primary schools and their community as well.

Ms Erhardt said the SAR programme had been part of WAR for over 10 years, adding that SAR clubs are intended to be student-led initiatives.

“Each club is led by an executive committee comprised of students, however, to ensure continuity of the clubs, each club is also supported by a teacher patron,” she said. ENDS