An evaluation of the implementation and management of an HIV/AIDS prevention programme in Lesotho schools

[摘要] Since 2000 there has been increasing global concern over the rapid spread of HIV/AIDSleading to countries implementing strategies for tackling the pandemic. Lesotho has,among other strategies, implemented an HIV/AIDS prevention programme ofincorporating HIV/AIDS content into the school curriculum in order to reduce the spreadof HIV/AIDS among young people. However, it is not clear whether all the teachershave received training in the programme or whether the programme has beenimplemented effectively. The study evaluated the implementation and management ofan HIV/AIDS prevention programme of incorporating HIV/AIDS content into the schoolcurriculum in Lesotho.Stratified sampling was used by dividing schools into two groups namely: primary andsecondary schools and a sample of 191 teachers and 10 principals were randomlyselected from the sample schools. The study employed both qualitative and quantitativeresearch methods. The literature study was conducted to acquire data on the extent ofthe HIV/AIDS epidemic and HIV/AIDS prevention programmes and their management inother parts of the world. The study continued with obtaining data on the impact ofHIV/AIDS on teachers and pupils in Lesotho schools and evaluated HIV/AIDSprevention programmes employed, specifically the HIV/AIDS prevention programme ofincorporating HIV/AIDS content into the school curriculum. Questionnaires were used tocollect data from 191 teachers which were computer analysed by using the StatisticalPackage for Social Sciences viewer. Semi-structured interviews were used to collectdata from ten principals, which the researcher transcribed, coded, sorted and displayedin a visual form and analysed the findings. A combination of questionnaires andinterviews provided a built-in triangulation for the study.The study established that HIV/AIDS information has been incorporated into schoolsubjects. The majority of teachers and pupils have textbooks containing HIV/AIDScontent and most of the teachers have received training in incorporating HIV/AIDScontent into their subject, although it may be inadequate. Finally, it was established that monitoring of the programme has been very poor. The study concluded withrecommendations for improving the implementation and management of theprogramme.

[发布机构] University of the Free State