Sex workers were invited to a training on peer education and outreach work principles lead by local outreach experts as well as by a guest trainers from the Netherlands. According to the participants, the training was great, they learnt a lot of useful strategies of peer-work and cooperation, the trainers were simply marvelous and “these 5 day will be unforgettable for some sex workers”!

Sex workers were invited to a training on peer education and outreach work principles lead by local outreach experts as well as by a guest trainers from the Netherlands. According to the participants, the training was great, they learnt a lot of useful strategies of peer-work and cooperation, the trainers were simply marvelous and “these 5 day will be unforgettable for some sex workers”!

Besides sharing methodology and tips on educating peers on prevention, this meeting gave space to the STAR members to present the mission and activities of this initiative group as well as their next issue of STAR Newsletter. In addition to this, discussion touched on the need to stay connected and united and on problems and issues around sex work and health in Macedonia and the Netherlands.

Learning activities were proportionally mixed with team building and other fun tasks, which created a friendly atmosphere and helped the participants develop professional relationship with each other which they hope to keep after they return to their cities. There is a high probability that the STAR will expand in number.

It should be noted that for some of the participating sex workers such a training and meeting with peers was a new positive experience and all the participants left for home enthusiastic and in high spirits. HOPS is planning to build up on the newly created team and further involve sex workers in helping to design and implement some of the projects.

More about HOPS
Contact person: Marija Tosheva, HOPS, email: marijat@hops.org.mk
Contact STAR, email: sexworkers_mk@yahoo.com