The Training of Trainers Manual - UNFPA

Those of you who selected the paper that is [name a colour] tested positive.
Those of you who selected the [name another colour] paper tested negative. If you
took a piece of the [name the third colour], you had an inconclusive test result.’
Allow a few moments of silence again and then continue: ‘Think about whether
you would say anything or ask the counsellor any questions. Maybe you are
wondering with whom you might share the news.
‘Now I’d like you to come back to the present, to this room, and remember that
you are in a training exercise and not really in a clinic. When you are ready, you
can open your eyes, and we will share some thoughts and feelings.’
Allow the group to discuss their experience. Be ready for considerable emotion
from the group members, particularly as you might have some participants who
have already had an HIV test and tested positive. Allow participants to discuss
their feelings, while reminding them that some of the people in the room might be
affected by HIV/AIDS.
Closure
Point out that sometimes people might send others to take an HIV test without
thinking about or understanding the implications. Mention that sometimes people
who get a positive test result first tend to tell several people about it quickly. When
the emotional impact of the news really sinks in, they sometimes regret telling
some of those people. Therefore, individuals should be told to consider carefully
whom they trust enough to tell the news.
Training note
Make sure that you allocate at least 45 minutes for this session
and try to avoid making it the last exercise of the day or a
workshop, as some participants might need some time afterwards
to collect themselves emotionally. An alternative exercise, Singles
Party Weekend, is provided in Annex 2.
80 Training of Trainers Manual