impact of life skills training on HIV and AIDS prevention
IMPACT OF LIFE SKILLS TRAINING ON HIV AND AIDS PREVENTION. AN
EVALUATION OF FOUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MASVINGO URBAN,
ZIMBABWE.
Abstract:
The Zimbabwe schools’ curriculum stipulates that life skills and HIV and AIDS education programmes be taught in schools as a strategy to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS among school-going young people in Zimbabwe. This study sought to evaluate the implementation of this prevention strategy among four secondary schools in Masvingo Urban. This was a qualitative research where data about the implementation were gathered through interviews and focus group discussions with school principals, teachers and students. A sample of 4 principals, 8 teachers and
64 students was used in the study. Students were assessed on knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and behaviour. Results showed that students exhibited high levels of knowledge of HIV and AIDS issues but their behaviour remained incongruent with this knowledge. The study also revealed that effectiveness of this prevention strategy is reduced due to teachers’ perception of this part of the curriculum as secondary, since they concentrate on examinable courses. From the research it was evident that limited resources and conflicting goals in the education system had a negative impact on the programme. The research made clear the need to make the teaching of life skills more practical by exposing students to real life situations through linkages with HIV and AIDS organizations working within the community.
Key Words: Life skills, Evaluation, Behaviour Change,
BACKGROUND
AIDS is amongst the leading causes of deaths worldwide and has had insurmountable negative effects on countries, in the socio-cultural, economic and political domains. Different countries have employed different strategies in an effort to combat the devastating effects of HIV and AIDS.
Some of these strategies include increased condom availability and use, promotion of abstinence and life
EVALUATION OF FOUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MASVINGO URBAN,
ZIMBABWE.
Abstract:
The Zimbabwe schools’ curriculum stipulates that life skills and HIV and AIDS education programmes be taught in schools as a strategy to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS among school-going young people in Zimbabwe. This study sought to evaluate the implementation of this prevention strategy among four secondary schools in Masvingo Urban. This was a qualitative research where data about the implementation were gathered through interviews and focus group discussions with school principals, teachers and students. A sample of 4 principals, 8 teachers and
64 students was used in the study. Students were assessed on knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and behaviour. Results showed that students exhibited high levels of knowledge of HIV and AIDS issues but their behaviour remained incongruent with this knowledge. The study also revealed that effectiveness of this prevention strategy is reduced due to teachers’ perception of this part of the curriculum as secondary, since they concentrate on examinable courses. From the research it was evident that limited resources and conflicting goals in the education system had a negative impact on the programme. The research made clear the need to make the teaching of life skills more practical by exposing students to real life situations through linkages with HIV and AIDS organizations working within the community.
Key Words: Life skills, Evaluation, Behaviour Change,
BACKGROUND
AIDS is amongst the leading causes of deaths worldwide and has had insurmountable negative effects on countries, in the socio-cultural, economic and political domains. Different countries have employed different strategies in an effort to combat the devastating effects of HIV and AIDS.
Some of these strategies include increased condom availability and use, promotion of abstinence and life
References: Chamba, W. (2011) The effectiveness of HIV-AIDS education prevention programmes in Zimbabwe: The role of school heads in SACMEQ III Gachuhi D. (1999) The impact of HIV/AIDS on education systems in the eastern and southern Africa region and the response of education systems to HIV/AIDS: life skills programmes. Global HIV Prevention Working Group (2008) Behaviour Change and HIV Prevention: (Re)Considerations for the 21st Century. Gregson S et al. (2010) HIV decline in Zimbabwe due to reductions in risky sex? Evidence from a comprehensive epidemiological review Kalanda B. F. 2010. Moya, C. (2002) Life Skills Approaches to Improving Youth 's Sexual and Reproductive Health. SAfAIDS (2013) Zimbabwe National Behavioural Change Strategy 2006-2010. UNICEF. (2002) Skills-Based Health Education to Prevent HIV/AIDS. New York: UNICEF. UNFPA (2008) reproductive rights and sexual and reproductive health framework. UNITED NATIONS (2003) Life Skills Training Guide for Young People: HIV/AIDS and Substance Use Prevention, New York: UNICEF.