Carolyne Aor Kwedho, Enose M.W. Simatwa
Globally, the impact of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the major challenges to all sectors of the society. In Kenya, HIV and AIDS was declared a national disaster in 1999. By 2003, the pandemic was given special attention by the Ministry of Education and the school curriculum was reviewed to integrate AIDS education. The purpose of this study was to investigate the opportunities for headteachers in the implementation of AIDS education in secondary school curriculum in Busia, Bunyala and Samia Districts, in Kenya. The descriptive survey research design was used. The study population was 56 head teachers, 423 teachers and 9784 students. The study sample consisted of 19 headteachers, 141 teachers, and 978 students in 19 secondary schools. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the sample. Data was collected by questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. The study found out that the main opportunities for headteachers in implementation of AIDS education were the infused components of HIV and AIDS in the curriculum, education sector policy on HIV and AIDS, Workshops on AIDS education, Variety of material and human resources, teachers, checking of schemes of work, records of work, dialogue with students, evaluation through written tests, essay competitions, oral quizzes and observation. Based on the findings, the study concluded that the headteachers have the teacher personnel and the infused components of AIDS education which they should exploit for successful implementation of AIDS Education.
Share this article