An evaluation of the implementation and management of an HIV/AIDS prevention programme in Lesotho schools
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Date
2009
Authors
Koatsa, P. R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Since 2000 there has been increasing global concern over the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS
leading to countries implementing strategies for tackling the pandemic. Lesotho has,
among other strategies, implemented an HIV/AIDS prevention programme of
incorporating HIV/AIDS content into the school curriculum in order to reduce the spread
of HIV/AIDS among young people. However, it is not clear whether all the teachers
have received training in the programme or whether the programme has been
implemented effectively. The study evaluated the implementation and management of
an HIV/AIDS prevention programme of incorporating HIV/AIDS content into the school
curriculum in Lesotho.
Stratified sampling was used by dividing schools into two groups namely: primary and
secondary schools and a sample of 191 teachers and 10 principals were randomly
selected from the sample schools. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative
research methods. The literature study was conducted to acquire data on the extent of
the HIV/AIDS epidemic and HIV/AIDS prevention programmes and their management in
other parts of the world. The study continued with obtaining data on the impact of
HIV/AIDS on teachers and pupils in Lesotho schools and evaluated HIV/AIDS
prevention programmes employed, specifically the HIV/AIDS prevention programme of
incorporating HIV/AIDS content into the school curriculum. Questionnaires were used to
collect data from 191 teachers which were computer analysed by using the Statistical
Package for Social Sciences viewer. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect
data from ten principals, which the researcher transcribed, coded, sorted and displayed
in a visual form and analysed the findings. A combination of questionnaires and
interviews provided a built-in triangulation for the study.
The study established that HIV/AIDS information has been incorporated into school
subjects. The majority of teachers and pupils have textbooks containing HIV/AIDS
content and most of the teachers have received training in incorporating HIV/AIDS
content into their subject, although it may be inadequate. Finally, it was established that monitoring of the programme has been very poor. The study concluded with
recommendations for improving the implementation and management of the
programme.
Description
Keywords
Evaluation, Implementation, Management, HIV/AIDS, Prevention, Programmes, Incorporation, School curriculum, Teacher training, Monitoring, HIV/AIDS content, AIDS (Disease) -- Study and teaching -- Lesotho, HIV infections -- Study and teaching -- Lesotho, AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention -- Study and teaching -- Lesotho, Dissertation (M.Ed. (Comparative Education and Education Management))--University of the Free State, 2009