AEP will be implemented in Chandigarh schools through red ribbon clubs in collaboration with the state AIDS Control Society. The aim is to equip every child between 10 and 19 years of age with scientific information, knowledge and life skills to protect HIV infection and manage reproductive and sexual health.

It will be launched in all senior secondary and secondary schools of UT. Sharing her concerns, Dr Vanita Gupta, project director, State AIDS Control Society, UT, said more than 22% of India's population was between 10 to 19 years of age, representing a vibrant human resource and adolescence was a period of formative dynamic transitions.

"With ever-increasing threats of growing drug/substance abuse, gender discrimination, child abuse, HIV/AIDS infections and suicides amongst young people, it is high time that we realize the importance of this initiative and take corrective measures," she added.

Two nodal teachers of the red ribbon club and six master trainers have already received training under the AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). The objective of the progamme is to enhance essential values and life through co-curricular activities (CCA). The life skills which would be addressed include creative and critical thinking, self-awareness and self-esteem, decision making and problem solving, inter-personal relationships and effective communication, coping stress and emotions. AEP would also help students in developing healthy attitudes, responsible behaviour about process of growing up, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse, promoting respect for the opposite sex and dealing with gender stereotypes.