Libby Young discovers internet HIV/Aids resources
The Aids epidemic affects all South Africans, either directly or indirectly, making HIV/Aids education imperative.
The first stop for help in teaching about HIV/Aids is the Avert website, belonging to the International Aids Education and Research Trust. The site contains HIV and Aids statistics, information for young people, personal stories, and information on becoming infected. An online multiple-choice HIV/Aids quiz lets one test one’s knowledge. The education page offers some guidelines for talking to children about Aids, as well as lesson plans, and a downloadable booklet providing the following information for young people: How can people become infected; safe sex; using condoms; and alcohol and drugs. Another 24-page booklet, entitled Why Me? Young People Living with HIV and Aids, provides some fascinating insights into the experiences of young people infected or directly affected by HIV.
www.avert.org
Education World demonstrates how a discussion on HIV/Aids can be inter-woven into other lessons. For instance, one could use Aids statistics in maths classes, or look at HIV/Aids distribution maps in geography lessons. The site includes links to several other Aids education sites.
www.education-world.com
The US-based Youth HIV website explains the facts about HIV/Aids and safe sex, as well as guidelines on how peer education can promote healthy behaviour.
www.youthHIV.org
For local statistics, visit the Aids Foundation of South Africa. While it reports that the infection rate in the 15-19 age group showed an apparent drop from 21% in 1998 to 16,5% in 1999, more than one in 10 South Africans are HIV-positive. The site looks at HIV/Aids as a developmental condition and profiles government-run programmes.
www.aids.org.za
The Department of Health’s Sexually Transmitted Disease Directorate hosts the Beyond Awareness Campaign. The website provides details on the national tollfree Aids helpline and various projects taking place around the country.
A booklet called Communicating for Action – A Contextual Evaluation of Youth Responses to HIV/Aids in South Africa is available for download in Adobe Acrobat format.
www.aidsinfo.co.za
For some truly scary statistics, visit the Red Ribbon website. There’s an online quiz to test your risk of contracting HIV, as well as documents and articles on legal issues, strategic matters and medical discussions, as well as advice for those living with HIV/Aids.
www.redribbon.co.za
Speakout is a website established by South African rape survivors and those with HIV/Aids, providing information on treatment, and what to do in an emergency. It examines both the legal and medical aspects of rape. Survivors tell their stories and how they dealt with post-traumatic stress.
www.speakout.org.za
– The Teacher/M&G Media, Johannesburg, October 2001.