Abstract
The topic of the study is The Impact of HIV/AIDS and STIs in Secondary Schools in the Limpopo Province.
The impact of HIV/AIDS and STDs on educators and learners in secondary schools is problematic. These epidemics are associated with an increase in absenteeism, requests for time off, emotional problems, changes in attitudes, overload on the side of teachers, unexpected deaths, increasing demands being made on medical aid schemes, as well as disability and malfunctioning of people and structures. The standard of education is deteriorating because of these diseases. Similarly, there is the need for managing the effects of these epidemics.
This study employs participatory action research. The quantitative method is utilized in the study. The questionnaire is used as an instrument of measurement.
The most important findings are as follows:
• There is an increase in absenteeism for both learners and educators.
• Learners’ performance is deteriorating.
• Participation of learners in sport and extra-mural activities is decreasing.
• Teachers’ productivity is deteriorating.
• Depression is taking its toll both among learners and educators.
• There is a high rate of dropouts.
Dr. M.C. van Loggerenberg