In training activities, consider how HIV and AIDS

In training activities, consider how HIV and AIDS
and related issues (SRHR, gender, etc.) can be
mainstreamed. For example, training of ministry
of education staff on indicators can easily be an
excellent opportunity to ensure that staff acquire
expertise monitoring the impact of HIV and AIDS.
Training of school managers can be used to increase
awareness of orphans and vulnerable children
or of the availability and importance of VCT
for HIV. Finally, training of teachers should include
techniques on how to address sensitive issues
such as sex and sexuality so that matters of SRHR
are effectively addressed (see also suggestions in
the list of resources).
Identify ‘champions’ within the Ministry of
Education who could be advocates and provide
them with support to enhance their visibility and to
develop their message. UNESCO and EDC have
developed a strategy for mobilising leadership in
the Caribbean, which has been demonstrated
to be especially effective in raising awareness in
low prevalence countries (see list of resources in
Tool 8).
Consider whether it is possible to support an
‘ambassador’ or ‘spokesperson’ from outside the
education sector who will advocate for a stronger
role of the education sector in addressing HIV and
AIDS. Your ‘champions’ may be found in other
sectoral ministries (such as ministries of planning
or health), or perhaps in the private sector (the
Chamber of Commerce, or a major business), in
politics (such as Nelson Mandela in South Africa),
or even in the media and entertainment area.
In annual or other periodic reviews, questions regarding
the impact of HIV and AIDS, SRHR and
gender should be posed. These reviews also
provide a good opportunity for introducing the
integration of HIV and AIDS in on-going interventions
where these issues have not yet been mainstreamed.
Chose one or two strategic entry points, establish
partnerships, identify opportunities and move
ahead on those. Make sure people know what
you are advocating for, have a clear message on
why this is important, write it into plans, and make
sure that it is given visibility e.g. through studies,
by involving university students, by sponsoring
colloquia.