Are Middle School students sufficiently aware of the dangers of HIV/AIDS?

An American Couple of 49-year Sponsoring Visited Chun Hua Program Unit

On 10^th October 2009, Plan’s half-century-long sponsors Mr. Charles Zemach and his wife Mary together paid a visit to Plan China and the hometown of their sponsored child Xiao Bo—Chun Hua Program Unit (PU).

Home Press Centre Latest News Are Middle School students sufficiently aware of the dangers of HIV/AIDS?

The volunteer making speech in the closing meeting of the Reproductive Health Education and AIDS Prevention Programme for Shaanxi SchoolsReproductive Health Education and AIDS Prevention Programme for Shaanxi SchoolsReproductive Health Education and AIDS Prevention Programme for Shaanxi SchoolsReproductive Health Education and AIDS Prevention Programme for Shaanxi Schools

Not really! A Survey on a Reproductive Health Education and AIDS Prevention Programme in Shaanxi Schools shows that students’ awareness on HIV/AIDS infection still needs to be enhanced. However, anyone, with little knowledge, AIDS education or common sense, could easily be the next HIV carrier. Therefore, education to prevent the spread of HIV needs to start early, with children.

On 29^th and 30^th June, 2009, the closing meeting of the Reproductive Health Education and AIDS Prevention Programme for Shaanxi Schools was held in Xi’an. Representatives of Plan China and Marie Stopes International China (MSIC)--the program executives, and teachers from the 38 program schools reviewed the program’s implementation and shared the final results.

An HIV carrier came to the meeting to speak on non-discrimination against HIV carriers (People living with HIV/AIDS). He described the situation in China and internationally, particularly as regards their rights which are not being respected. He also said that they would like to be involved in HIV/AIDS prevention activities and other advocacy activities in schools.

The survey revealed that students and teachers approved of the methods used in the program: peer education, training of trainers, and felt that such methods increased the students’ enthusiasm to learn as well as the interest of both students and teachers.

The survey also indicated that the various methods used during the program, e.g. radio broadcasts, questionnaires, contests and classes had increased the participation of both students and teachers in the program, but that nonetheless awareness of reproductive health and HIV prevention is still not high.

The focus of this final meeting was the difficulties, problems and deficiencies in the program and its implementation. Each group in the program held meetings to find solutions to the problems mentioned and prepare to share their experiences better.

This education program on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention has been carried out in Shaanxi schools, by Plan China and Marie Stopes International China, for two years and seven months. 38 schools in YuLin, JiaXian ChunHua, PuCheng and XiXiang counties have participated in the program. The program aims to improve students’ awareness of reproductive health and HIV prevention, promote positive attitudes to HIV carriers (non-discrimination) and help teachers and local education departments build up their capacity in reproductive health education for students.