HIV and AIDS/Life Skills
The HIV and AIDS Life Skills Education Programme finds its policy mandate from the National Policy on HIV and AIDS for Learners and Educators in Schools (1999). The programme was initiated in 2000 and is implemented in all public institutions with a focus on learners in Grades 1-12.
The main objectives of the life skills programme are to integrate HIV and AIDS and relevant life skills into the school curriculum as a strategy to prevent and mitigate the spread of HIV infection, and to provide care and support for learners that are infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
In this regard, a cross-curricular approach has been adopted. The Life Skills and HIV and AIDS Education is primarily located in the Life Orientation learning area/subject with some aspects of the programme integrated into other learning area/subjects.
The HIV and AIDS Life Skills Education Programme focuses on mainly curricular activities as per the following focal areas: Educators are trained to implement Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and TB programmes for learners through the curriculum Procurement and distribution of NCS and CAPS compliant LTSM on HIV and TB Co-curricular activities on SRH and TB Advocacy activities with learners, educators and schools communities on SRH and TB Care and support activities for learners and educators.
Provincial school based commemoration of World AIDS Day
Background:
Annually on 01 December, South Africa joins the International Community in Commemorating World Aids Day.
To raise awareness about the impact of HIV in our society and to accelerate the efforts in fighting the epidemic.
CONTEXT:
South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV and AIDS in the world
Evidence reported an increase in HIV prevalence in all provinces, with a substantial in Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
Consistent condo use remains low
Sexual debut before age 15 years among ale youth continues to increase
The number of adolescent girls having sexual relationships with older sexual partners continues to increase.
GLOBAL THEME:
Set by world Health Organisation – “Know your status”
Aim is to focus on educating the youth around the world through Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)
Also crucial to achieve the 90-90-90 targets
SOUTH AFRICA’S THEME:
South African National aids Council (SANAC) set the thee ‘’Ït is y right ot know y Status – Prevention is my responsibility”
DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION’S (DBE’S) OBJECTIVE OF WORLD AIDS DAY (WAD) 2019:
To address risks and protective factors for HIV infections and Teenage Pregnancies.
To mobilise parents and school community members to participate and support the implementation of CSE and SHR intervention.
To lobby for support of the HIV and AIDS Life Skills Education programme from parents.
NCDOE- LIFE SKILLS HIV & AIDS EDUCATION THEME FOR WAD 2019:
“it is my right to know y status, Prevention is my responsibility”
NCDOE- LIFE SKILLS, HIV & AIDS EDUCATION PROVINCIAL MAIN EVENT:
District:Pixley Ka Seme
Venue: St John’s Primary School
Date: Wednesday, 27 November 2019
Policy on the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy in schools