Abstract
M.Ed.
The word HIV/AIDS has dominated the media day in and day out, news is up as to how the pandemic is ravaging the whole world. Particularly at risk are the children and young people. In this mist of confusion and frustration one cannot really afford to turn a blind eye on this scourge. As there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, the only hope is “awareness” so that people can adequately protect themselves.
The aim of this research is to find out whether the inclusion of HIV/AIDS- programmes in the school curriculum may not create an awareness about the epidemic, and as such, prevent the vast spread of the virus. In the light of the statement above, the following questions were formulated:
• Are the young people and children aware of the trends and patterns of HIV/AIDS?
• Would the inclusion of HIV/AIDS-programmes in the school curriculum bring awareness about the pandemic and reduce the vast spread of the virus?
In order to research the problem as stated above, qualitative and quantitative methods were chosen. The choice was informed by the fact that using combined methods will prevent biased findings, develop and enhance the understanding of social phenomena and strengthening triangulation.
The findings indicated that the HIV/AIDS-programmes should form part of the curriculum. The conclusions made were based on the impact of HIV/AIDS developed from the literature overview in Chapter 2 and findings from data in Chapter 4.
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Recommendations were made to National, Provincial and School level:
• There is a need for a coherent National HIV/AIDS curriculum development strategy which will ensure systematic planning on HIV/AIDS-programmes generally, and in particular conduct a survey to collect data on awareness levels in life skills education.
• Effective and monitored communication systems among various stakeholders and curriculum implementers are needed to conduct workshops on HIV/AIDS.
• Regional officials need to be empowered to enter into partnerships with other accredited programmes to combat HIV/AIDS.
• Educators should be encouraged to develop HIV/AIDS lessons in classrooms in line with national guidelines.
Lastly, this study was worth undertaking, taking cognisance of the rate at which HIV/AIDS is killing the people. If the recommendations are considered, there will be an increase of awareness and hopefully a change of behaviour.
Dr. M.C. van Loggerenberg