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Media Release 23 December, 2001 | |
Gaum vows to accelerate HIV/AIDS programme in 2002 The Western Cape's Minister of Education, Mr André Gaum, has announced major plans to expand the province's HIV/AIDS programme in schools in 2002. Special education and training programmes will start in primary and secondary schools, and the Western Cape Education Department will initiate a project to train about 5000 peer educators in secondary schools. The Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Peter Marais, said in his inaugural speech earlier this month that the fight against HIV/AIDS would receive the Cabinet's highest priority. The Cabinet and provincial Heads of Departments confirmed this priority at a Bosberaad earlier this week. Mr Gaum described the role of the WCED in tackling HIV/AIDS as mainly preventative, with its primary aim being to delay sexual debut among young people. "The programme is based on the curriculum and forms an integral part of the teaching and learning programme in schools. Implementation is compulsory. Schools must allocate half an hour a week to the Life Orientation learning area which deals with the issues tackled by the programme." "The programme deals with skills and values covered by the Life Orientation curriculum. These include problem-solving, decision-making, assertiveness, negotiation, the development of self-esteem and respect for others, which help to promote a young person's own sexual health and future, and respect for the well-being of others." Mr Gaum described the programme as culturally-sensitive, gender-sensitive and age-appropriate. "Contrary to popular misconceptions, the programme does not encourage promiscuity, and does not deal with sexual biology and 'condomisation' at an inappropriately early age. Schools will provide parents with the opportunity of reviewing the programme and learner materials, and of discussing concerns prior to roll-out of the programme," he said. "These initiatives are crucial, given the challenges facing us. While the Western Cape has the lowest rate of infection, this rate is increasing. The problem of HIV/AIDS is compounded by our high incidence of tuberculosis. We must also address the problem of teenage pregnancies and venereal disease among teenagers." Key elements of the WCED's programme for 2002 include the following:
"The WCED will do everything possible to limit the spread of HIV/AIDS within our school communities, for which we are responsible. We are working closely with the provincial Department of Health in this regard," Mr Gaum said. Issued by:The Communications Directorate Western Cape Education Department Private Bag X9114 Cape Town 8000 Tel: (021) 467-2531 Fax: (021) 467-2363 Email: pattwell@pawc.wcape.gov.za return to: Home | Media Releases Index page | |