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.
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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 |
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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
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