What is the EI/WHO/EDC teacher training programme to prevent HIV infection and related discrimination through schools?
Why is it unique and distinct from many other HIV/AIDS related efforts?
How is this teacher training programme unique and distinct from other HIV/AIDS prevention efforts?
In seeking support for teacher training, it is important to explain the unique qualities of the Training Programme to trainers, teachers and others who are involved in health, education and HIV prevention. Use this handout when visiting organizations to explain the overall nature and scope of the Programme. In addition, consider making the following points about the Programme as a way of describing its unique purpose and qualities.
- Studies of HIV/AIDS education programmes show that the most effective programmes help people practice and acquire skills for prevention. Furthermore, the use of participatory learning experiences is recognized as one of the most effective ways to help people acquire skills.
- In inter-country workshops held by the EI/ WHO/EDC Partnership, union members repeatedly noted that teachers require training to implement participatory learning experiences aimed at skill building for HIV prevention.
- Skills directly relevant to the prevention of HIV infection and related discrimination were used as the basis for developing the EI/WHO/EDC Teacher's Exercise Book on HIV Prevention.
- The activities in the EI/WHO/EDC Teacher's Exercise Book on HIV Prevention were developed by teachers working in collaboration with health and training experts to ensure that the activities are teacher-friendly and suited to helping adults and young people acquire skills for HIV prevention.
- The activities in the EI/WHO/EDC Teacher's Exercise Book on HIV Prevention offer a unique approach to HIV prevention among the many other programmes focused on HIV prevention because they are specifically designed to enable teachers to use participatory learning experiences to help: 1) other teachers and adults avoid HIV infection; 2) other teachers, adults and students advocate for effective HIV prevention efforts in their communities and schools; and 3) students (young children, pre-adolescents and adolescents) to obtain the skills needed to prevent HIV infection and related discrimination.
In summary, the primary focus of the Training Programme is skill building. The primary aim is to ensure that teachers receive the actual "training" they need to use the activities in the Teacher's Exercise Book on HIV Prevention. By clearly describing the unique qualities of the Training Programme, and marketing the Programme as unique among other HIV-related programmes, you and your partners may be able to generate increased support and cooperation from local and national education and health officials, as well as agencies interested in school health and HIV prevention.
Training requires resources and time: ask for them, demand them!
Important:
Ask for and, if necessary, demand the resources and time you need to be adequately trained and to provide adequate training to others! HIV/AIDS and related discrimination are devastating children, families and nations. Teachers alone have the scale of mass to significantly affect the further spread of this disease. They can significantly reduce HIV infection by avoiding HIV infection themselves and by helping young people avoid it. If you are not able to obtain the resources and time you need to be adequately trained, to train other teachers or to educate students about HIV/AIDS, you are facing all the needs listed above. Use this handout to build a small skilled group of vocal advocates to convince others that teachers and quality education are essential elements of an effective response to HIV/AIDS. It is time to give HIV/AIDS the attention it deserves!