Mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS: The Role of Schools
Abstract
This mixed method study explores the role of Zimbabwe schools in mitigating the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS among adolescents learners. 5 urban secondary schools were randomly selected. 147 secondary school leaners (72 females and 75 males, age range 13 -20 years) held Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and responded to Questionnares based on a 5 point Likert scale written on a continuum of SA-SD. A questionnaire and follow up interview was administered on 10 teachers. The adolescents in this study identified the school as giving the most reliable source of information on HI V/AIDS. Paradoxically the school was found to be lacking in terms of educating and guiding the adolescents in the face of the AIDS pandemic. A recommendation was given that schools should integrate HIV/AIDS education into all learning areas right across the curriculum.