1. Schools or clusters of schools are once again encouraged to present programmes and events on HIV and AIDS during the month of September this year.
2. The importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle and creating schools and communities that care for those suffering from and affected by AIDS, has been stressed by both the Provincial Minister of Education, Cameron Dugmore, and Premier Rasool.
3. In support of the above, schools, educators and learners are encouraged to focus on HIV and AIDS programmes not only during September, but also to present programmes and events throughout the year, culminating in World AIDS Day on the 1st December.
4. Schools, school clusters and the parent communities should aim to do the following:

  • Raise the awareness of the growing prevalence of HIV and AIDS in our communities and provide accurate information to assist in preventing its spread and mitigating its impact

  • Provide an opportunity for educators and learners to develop the inter-personal skills required to deal with HIV and AIDS – such as communication, decision-making, assertiveness and peer leadership

  • Address discrimination and create a caring school environment that is supportive of all

  • Cultivate attitudes and values which will assist in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS

  • Encourage responsible behaviour by learners, educators and parents so as to prevent the spreading of HIV and AIDS

  • Develop a plan of action for the management of HIV and AIDS in schools
5. Schools or school clusters can achieve these aims by implementing creative programmes (see list below) for learners, parents and educators. Such programmes would not necessarily be limited to curriculum-based activities; programmes based on extra-curricular activities are also encouraged.
6. The following are activities that schools or clusters of schools could undertake during the School AIDS Month:

  • Song and drama presentations

  • Poster competitions

  • Creating a school calendar with motivating messages

  • Displays of posters in local shopping centres

  • Motivational speakers from EMDC, local health clinics, NGOs, etc.

  • Displaying the School AIDS Policy and/or Plan of Action in the school foyer

  • Networking with support services and resources in the school community

  • Establishing a health advisory board

  • Conducting a community survey to determine attitudes of youth to HIV and AIDS, teenage pregnancy, drugs, etc.

  • Programmes to encourage positive and healthy lifestyles

  • Quilt making

  • Making puzzles as gifts for underprivileged children

  • Making AIDS ribbons

  • Community outreach projects to underprivileged children, families and communities.
7. Should you require any assistance when organising an event or programme, kindly contact your school HIV and AIDS Co-ordinator or the following HIV and AIDS co-ordinators at the EMDCs: 
Metropole Central:        Lynne Herrmann   Tel. 021 659 4300
Metropole South:          David Stephens   Tel. 021 370 2072
Metropole North:          Labeqa Abrahams  Tel. 021 938 3065
Metropole East:           Esmé Kleinveldt  Tel. 021 900 7024
West Coast & Winelands:   Janine Kearns    Tel. 021 860 1200
Breede River & Overberg:  Alister Adonis   Tel. 023 348 4687
South Cape & Karoo:       Lionel Pedro     Tel. 044 874 3130
8. Your enthusiastic participation in programmes during School AIDS Month will be greatly appreciated.


SIGNED: M.J. THERON
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2005:08:03