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Abstract
Peer education towards AIDS prevention
A C S Samajpati
Parivartan, Gandhinagar, India
While introducing AIDS prevention campaign in the schools, we were fully aware that sex education in the schools is generally expected to meet with stiff opposition from the parents and community in India, out of fear that such education would encourage increased sexual activities in young people. Though studies indicate that knowledge on sexual aspects delay sexual intercourse and encourages safer sex practices amongst those who are sexually active. In addition, sex education satisfies the inquisitiveness of the adolescents and inculcates a healthy attitude and respect towards the opposite sex.
Unfortunately while parents are not yet prepared to discuss such topics with their children, the teachers often feel inadequate and uneasy to explain even the biological facts, which are included in the syllabus and often leave those areas unattended. However, the natural curiosity and physiological reasons lead the youth to look for the answers elsewhere, in most cases misleading media, ignorant friends and unauthentic literature, all of which are harmful for the young minds.
During our interaction with the principals and teachers, this conservative attitude of the community towards AIDS infection was reflected in the expression of the teachers too. Sometimes our wisdom to impart AIDS education to the students was questioned by the teachers.
We designed the training such that not only the educators and the students learnt together, they also shared ideas and by the end of the training they established a bond. Together they prepared their future course of action to carry AIDS preventive messages forward and to create a support system for the benefit of other students.
Conclusion
Some teachers prepared question papers and tested them in their schools. Innovative ideas, such as writing AIDS messages on kites or spreading the message through garba, a popular folk dance form of India, were implemented successfully.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
F12065
Suggested Citation
" A C S Samajpati ,
Peer education towards AIDS prevention
.
Print Only:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
F12065"
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