8th International AIDS Conference Amsterdam, Netherlands — July 19-24, 1992

Int Conf AIDS 1992 Jul 19-24; 8:We58 (abstract no. WeD 1073)
Ntebela M, Frencken H; Science Department, Molepolole College of Education, Botswana.

ISSUE: Secondary school Science teachers in Botswana were involved in an AIDS prevention campaign by Inservice providers. On the initiative of the teachers the campaign got a strong momentum of its own and now involves teachers of other subjects, primary school teachers and students. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT: In January 1991 a workshop on 'AIDS and the Science Curriculum' was organised by a committee of secondary school science teachers and educationalists of the University and the Ministry of Education. Professionals of NGO's and the Ministry of Health were brought in for assistance. The workshop trained 30 Botswana science teachers who in turn organised ten follow up workshops all over the country. The workshops covered issues such as: the biology of AIDS, AIDS and traditional culture, how to teach about AIDS, condom demonstration in class and organising school AIDS days.

RESULTS: 60% of all science teachers in the country were reached, potentially reaching 40,000 students. Teachers involved did not stop after the workshops however and a number of activities not planned for took place, such as workshops combining science teachers and primary school teachers, the formation of an AIDS counselling group and the production of an AIDS teaching package. Expertise of the Botswana NACP and NGO's like Red Cross was utilised in the various activities. A National organisation 'Teachers against AIDS' has now been formed to coordinate such activities, with formal support of the Ministry of Education and financial help from UNICEF. An AIDS and Education Newsletter will be produced and a National conference for teachers (and possibly students) is planned for August to give teachers' initiatives a boost. LESSONS LEARNED: science teachers can be dedicated and effective AIDS educators, when 'switched on' teachers mobilise colleagues and pupils, irrespective of subject or school level, momentum is maintained when teachers define and shape the direction of their campaign, there is clear scope for a self sustainable AIDS campaign in education in Botswana.

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