1. The Western Cape Education Department's HIV/AIDS Unit wishes to bring it to the attention of all employees, parents and learners that September 2009 is National School AIDS Month.
2. All school governing bodies, teachers and learners are once again encouraged to focus on HIV/AIDS during the month of September. We would urge them to use their enthusiasm and creativity to develop programmes and events leading up to World AIDS Day on 1 December 2009.
3. Schools and their partners in the community (parents, community- and faith-based organisations and local government) should aim to address the following aspects pertaining to HIV/AIDS life skills and sexuality education:

  • Raising awareness, addressing myths and providing accurate information to assist in preventing the spreading and mitigating the impact of AIDS
  • Creating a caring environment for those infected and affected by the disease
  • Addressing discrimination, drugs, crime, teenage pregnancy, prostitution and abusive behaviour, which aggravate the spread of the virus in communities
  • Promoting positive and responsible behaviour and developing young leaders for the future
  • Debating controversial issues such as condom use, voluntary counselling and testing, and alternative treatments and medication
  • Promoting healthy lifestyles and reclaiming community norms and values
  • Creating caring schools and communities for those suffering from and affected by HIV/AIDS.
4. Schools can achieve these aims by implementing creative programmes for learners, parents, teachers and school communities. These programmes should not be limited to curriculum-based activities, but should be extended to extra-curricular activities too.
5. Should schools require any further information or assistance, the following HIV/AIDS co-ordinators can be contacted at the district offices:

Metro Central Loretta Erasmus-Arendse Tel. 021 659 4300
Metro South Nceba Jalamba Tel. 021 370 2072
Metro North Labeqa Abrahams Tel. 021 938 3065
Metro East Faith Booi Tel. 021 900 7024
West Coast Kennith Booise Tel. 021 860 1200
Cape Winelands Alister Adonis Tel. 023 348 4687
Overberg Benorita Ockhuis Tel. 028 2147300
Eden & Central Karoo Lionel Pedro Tel. 044 874 3130
6. Your enthusiastic participation in programmes during the National School AIDS Month will be greatly appreciated.


SIGNED: MJ THERON
ACTING HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2009:08:26