Realities regarding the implementation of the Lesotho education sector HIV and AIDS policy (2012) in primary schools

[摘要] English: The development of a country is dependent on the health and education of its youth. For some countries, especially in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), HIV/AIDS has become a hindrance to its growth as it is one of the leading causes of deaths among young people. In an effort to counter the negative impact of HIV/AIDS, the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) in Lesotho, developed the Lesotho Education Sector HIV and AIDS Policy 2012 (LESHAP 2012) for implementation in schools. In principle, this policy aims at making education an active partner in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Lesotho.However, policies can only be effective and noble ideals, and goals can only be achieved if policies are implemented. This study aims to answer the question: What are the realities regarding the implementation of the Lesotho Education Sector HIV and AIDS Policy 2012 in primary schools?In answering this question, I adopted a constructivist paradigm as the principal lens in framing and developing this study. A qualitative research approach was used and in conjunction with the literature reviews, I also conducted a critical policy analysis. This was done to discover particular policy directives vital for effective and efficient implementation of the LESHAP 2012, and semi-structured interviews with school board members, principals and teachers selected from three primary schools, belonging to three main proprietors in the district of Mohale's Hoek.The main finding of this study is that the LESHAP 2012 is not being implemented in these schools. This is primarily because the schools appear not to have any knowledge of the policy, since it has never been disseminated, distributed and communicated to the schools. As a result, most of the stipulations and directives which are supposed to ensure the effective implementation of the LESHAP 2012 are not adhered to. The implication of this is that the Lesotho education in general and schools in particular cannot effectively contribute towards the fight against HIV/AIDS. This despite the noble ideals of the policy and of the MOET to utilise education in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Lesotho. To try and reverse the situation and to enhance the implementation of the LESHAP 2012, recommendations are made. This includes a sincere effort to get the LESHAP 2012 out to schools and the training of educators in the effective implementation thereof.

[发布机构] University of the Free State