The management of an HIV/AIDS awareness programme in secondary schools in the North West Province

Abstract

In the light of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa, the Department of Education is promoting HIV/AIDS awareness programmes in public schooling. This dissertation focuses on the management of these programmes in secondary schools in the North West Province using a literature review and empirical investigation. The former discusses the disease and treatment, its prevalence and impact on education and the role of principal, educators and parents in prevention. A qualitative study investigated the views of a small sample of principals, teachers and learners from three secondary schools in the North West Province. Sites and participants were selected by purposeful sampling. Data gathering took place by interviewing principals and educators and by essays written by tenth grade learners. Findings illustrated the importance of community values, information, a school policy, inservice teacher training and the contribution of parents and the church. Obstacles to successful awareness programmes were identified and recommendations made.