Implementation of a comprehensive AIDS education programme for schools in Masaka District, Uganda
Background: As part of a large IEC (Information, Education and Communication)/STD intervention trial, a 19-lesson, comprehensive school-based AIDS education programme was implemented and evaluated in 50 primary and 16 secondary schools in 12 parishes of Masaka District, Uganda.
Methods: A series of three teacher-training and evaluation workshops spread over a year was held in each parish, between which teachers implemented the programme in the classroom. One hundred and forty-eight teachers were trained and about 3,500 students were subsequently exposed to the programme.
Results: Both teachers and students responded positively, which suggests that this type of programme has much to offer young people who attend school. However, some problems were encountered: language, programme content, community resistance to teaching about condoms, and several practical issues. Proposed solutions include flexibility with the English language policy, alternative approaches to role play activities, targeting influential individuals within information about the need for young people to learn about safer sex, and a parallel community-based IEC programme to facilitate community acceptance of the need for the programme. In addition, implementation may be incomplete unless comprehensive AIDS education is fully incorporated into the curriculum, and properly examined. These findings are placed in the context of other life skills/AIDS education programmes being introduced both in Uganda and elsewhere in Africa.
PIP: This paper presents a comprehensive teacher-based AIDS education program that was implemented in 50 primary and 16 secondary schools in Masaka District, Uganda. An education program produced by WHO/UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization was used which contained 53 English language student activities and related teachers' guides. 19 activities were chosen for the Masaka trial that would cover 15-20 hours of classroom time. A total of 148 teachers were trained and about 3500 students (85% fell within the target age range of 12-16 years) were exposed to the program. The program received positive response from both teachers and students. However, there were some problems encountered which included language difficulties, program content, and community resistance to teaching about condoms. There was a limited discussion of condoms in class because parents, religious sectors opposed it, and by teachers themselves who believe that condoms promote promiscuity. In addition, practical problems were also experienced such as time constraints, teacher attrition, sexual harassment of schoolgirls by some male teachers, and limited transportation and communication. The proposed solutions included flexibility with the English language policy, targeting influential individuals with information about the need for young people to learn about safer sex and a parallel community-based program to facilitate community acceptance of the need for the program. Finally, the benefits of this program range from reduction of HIV transmission and unwanted pregnancies, to improved communication between sexual partners that is accompanied by an enhanced mental well-being.