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 2010 is National School AIDS Month.
2. All school governing bodies, teachers and learners are once again encouraged to focus on HIV/AIDS and related matters during the month of September. We urge them to use their enthusiasm and creativity to develop programmes, events and support campaigns leading up to World AIDS Day on 1 December 2010.
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 and combating myths by providing accurate information to assist in preventing the spread of AIDS and to mitigate the impact of AIDS (This could be done during parent meetings and school sports events.)

  • Creating a caring environment for those infected and affected by the disease (Creating a sick bay/space, doing home visits, providing food parcels and establishing food gardens are some of the ways in which those infected and affected persons can be supported.)

  • Addressing discrimination, drugs, crime, teenage pregnancy, prostitution and abusive behaviour, which aggravate the spread of the virus in communities (This can be done by arranging guest speakers or drama productions so as to provide learners with information on these topics in creative ways.)

  • Promoting positive and responsible behaviour and developing young leaders for the future

  • Debating controversial issues, such as condom use and alternative treatments or medication

  • Promoting a healthy lifestyle and reclaiming community norms and values

  • Motivating teachers, learners and the community to know their status through HIV testing and counselling
4. Schools can achieve the above by arranging 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 as well.
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. 021 514 6903
Metro South Nceba Jalamba Tel. 021 370 2072
Metro North Labeqa Abrahams Tel. 021 938 3065
Metro East Esme Kleinveldt Tel. 021 900 7024
West Coast Kennith Booise Tel. 021 860 1200
Cape Winelands Alister Adonis Tel. 023 348 0609
Overberg Benorita Ockhuis Tel: 028 214 7300
Eden & Central Karoo Lionel Pedro Tel. 044 803 8362

6. Your enthusiastic participation in programmes during the National School AIDS Month will be greatly appreciated.


SIGNED: JH LYNERS
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2010:09:02