A model for the strategic management of HIV/AIDS in Gauteng schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate current support from the Gauteng Department of Education with regard to the HIV/Aids-infected and affected learners and educators. The ultimate purpose was to find a solution for the ineffective management of HIV/Aids in the Gauteng Department of Education. In developing such a solution, the focus was on the following aspects: The role of the Gauteng Department of Education in combating HIV/Aids The effects of HIV/Aids on education The effects of education on HIV/Aids The role of SGBs in helping schools to combat HIV/Aids The literature study revealed that there is ineffective support for HIV/Aids infected and affected learners and educators in South Africa. It also exposed that the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is not effective enough. It is evident that most educators do not have the necessary skills in handling the learners who are infected and affected by HIV/Aids. In order to save the future of education in Gauteng from the HIV/Aids pandemic, there is an urgent need to implement a model for strategic management of HIV/Aids in the Gauteng Department of Education. The empirical study consisted of a structured questionnaire distributed to a sample population of educators in Sedibeng-East, Sedibeng-West and Johannesburg-South Districts. It was aimed at gathering information about the role of the Gauteng Department of Education in supporting learners and educators who are infected and affected by HIV/Aids, as well as determining a solution to managing HIV/Aids strategically at schools. The main findings of the empirical investigation revealed that ineffective methods are being applied to manage HIV/Aids strategically at most schools.