The Jump Rope for Heart project jump started 2011 with an information session for teachers and students at the Trinity East Secondary School and Bishop Anstey High School in east Trinidad. The session was held at the request of the schools physical education teachers and a total of seventy-eight students and three teachers attended the session.

“The two schools showed potential for working together and TTASPE has made a commitment to continue working with the schools encouraging a link between the existing Kicking AIDS Out program and the Jump Rope for Heart program,” said Shaunna Thomas, TTASPE’s Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator. “The two programs link very well, as they can use the physical activity of jumping rope and implement the life skills component of Kicking AIDS Out.

“The students of these schools show great leadership and commitment to Kicking AIDS Out and associated physical activities,” stated Ato Rockcliffe, TTASPE’s Kicking AIDS Out development officer. “To celebrate World AIDS Day the student Kicking AIDS Out leaders organized a FUN day bringing together students from both schools through sport while at the same time disseminating information on HIV/AIDS. I think the Jump Rope for Heart program is a good fit with the Kicking AIDS Out program as it will bring creativity and help students generate ideas on using physical activity to spark conversations surrounding their community challenges with HIV/AIDS.”

Bishop Anstey High School has already taken the Jump Rope for Heart program to a new standard and has created a Jump Rope for Heart Club, they are currently working on links with the Heart Association, Diabetes Association and the Red Cross to visit their school and expose the students to detailed information. “I look forward to continued work with these schools and the Bishops Jump Club, as I feel these are great example of bringing adolescence together to encourage positive change” commented Shaunna Thomas.