One of the preventive measures to be adopted to control the spread of
HIV/AIDS infection is to create awareness among students of school and
colleges. Studies have confirmed that educating students about various
issues and problems relating to HIV/AIDS promotes positive attitude
and responsible behavior that would help them to avoid HIV infection.
Preventive education thus assumes greater importance specially for young
students. In view of WHO estimates, at least half of all the HIV infections
to date worldwide have occurred in youth between 15-24 years of age.
The young students at this age are also prone to take risks. By developing
appropiate attitude, values and educating young students on various
issues related to HIV/AIDS, it will be possible to minimize spread of
HIV infection. They will develop a better understanding of consequences
of their high risk behaviour and make them socially more responsible.
In
view of this, School AIDS Education program is designed to cover
all Higher Secondary school to target students between ages
of 15 to 19 years.
Its Implementation is planned through NGOs.
Involvement
of Secretaries of Health, School Education, Social & Tribal
Welfare, District level and Circle Level Officers, the Principals/
Head Masters is envisaged.
Training
programmes for Teachers and fellow students is proposed.
School
level activities
Education
of student : The trained fellow students take sessions for the
rest of the children under supervision of the nodal teachers.
These peer educators change every year as the fresh batches come
to the classes and need to be trained again.
Question
Box : Students are asked to put their questions in the Question
box. The trained teachers may subsequently organize talks or presentations
on matters raised in these queries.
Organization
of Events : Events organized in schools are Debates, Essay competitions,
Exhibitions, Street play competitions, Poster & Painting competitions,
Skits, Drama, Rangoli making etc.
Referral Services : Knowledge about services in the area viz.
Counselling centers, Blood Banks. STD treatment centers and Voluntary
Testing Centers help to provide referrals to interested students.
A
Module for imparting Education to School Children has been developed
which throws light on issues related to School Children, such as Teen
age pregnancy, STD, HIV/AIDS, understanding peer pressures and their
feelings and creating a supportive Environment.The programme is likely
to enable school children (15 to 19 years) to understand and appreciate
peer group behaviour better and create a supporting environment for
prevention of HIV/AIDS.
