HIV education in the formal curriculum |
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| Authors: | Yusuf K Nsubuga and Sandrine Bonnet |
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| Institution: | (1) Ministry of Education and Sports, Parliament Avenue, P.O. Box 7063, Kampala, Uganda;(2) UNESCO-IBE, P.O. Box 199, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland |
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| Abstract: | The AIDS epidemic presents a complex of issues that require global answers, involving entire societies. The only sustainable
solution is to include all sectors of society in a multidisciplinary collaboration, within which the formal education system
plays a key role in delivering a comprehensive response to the disease at the national level. Moreover, in order to be effective,
governments must work in collaboration with parents, religious leaders, and community members. This article describes eight
key issues that must be addressed to establish a successful HIV/AIDS education curriculum. It also provides examples of best
practices from three countries. First, HIV education in schools should adopt a human rights perspective and address stigma
and discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV). Second, gender issues should be fully integrated into messages
about the disease and the whole community should be sensitized on this topic. Third, national curricula must be designed in
respect of religious perspectives; the most successful ones will include religious leaders in the process. Fourth, the language
and content used in designing education materials for schools must be culturally sensitive, as local traditions can influence
the transmission of HIV; those developing curricula should explore the best ways to incorporate positive traditions into formal
education initiatives. Fifth, governments are responsible for providing comprehensive and adapted messages about the disease
to children and youth in school settings; they must develop a national strategic policy on it and establish specific measures
established to protect PLHIV. Sixth, the family plays the primary role in providing information to children on sexuality and
HIV-related issues, even if parents and children sometimes find it hard to talk about. Parents must be informed so they can
play a more active role in educating their children in this area. Seventh, teachers and administrators are central to effective
HIV education; as they often complement parents’ roles, they need to be trained at pre- and in-service levels on these issues,
including sexuality. Finally, children and young adults should learn about sexuality and HIV and AIDS at various stages throughout
their development. It is crucial to adapt the content to the age and knowledge level of the target group. |
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