Circling 'the Scourge'

Editorial Projects in Education. 6935 Arlington Road Suite 100, Bethesda, MD 20814-5233. Tel: 800-346-1834; Tel: 301-280-3100; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.edweek.org/info/about/

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Foreign Countries; Sexuality; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Death; Teacher Shortage; Unions; Disease Control; Disease Incidence; Public Health; Counseling; Labor Supply; Labor Force; Mortality Rate; School Community Relationship; Helping Relationship; Advocacy; Interpersonal Relationship; Labeling (of Persons); Negative Attitudes; Social Bias; Group Discussion

0277-4232

In Kenya alone, where the infection rate is estimated to have reached 13 percent of the population, 27,000 teachers will die and more than 2 million children will lose one or both parents to AIDS in the next five years. The Kenyan project uses "study circles," in which teachers learn together about HIV, script new sexual behaviors for themselves, and figure how better to care for those infected or affected by the disease. As teachers come to grips with AIDS in their own lives, the leaders believe that educators will then be better prepared to help their students, their schools, and their communities. The project's leaders say they are struck by the drive of many teachers to translate their education and their stature into help for their neighbors. More than 700 schools across Kenya are expected to convene circles in the next two years, each drafting a list of resources for those affected by HIV and AIDS, and 60 teachers are to be trained as counselors. The program also calls for an awareness and advocacy campaign to help transform schools into places where everyone feels safe from the prejudice and harassment those with the disease often encounter.

ERIC

2007

EJ759460