By the Centre for HIV/STD Research (CHISTRE)

The fundamental idea for this activity is to provide for the School Children the information, which is ultimately targeted at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and other sexual matters. This will undoubtedly promote behaviour change and encourage healthy living among the School Children.

The program was organized in the Schools to ensure that a greater number of Children participated. Moreover, the School is seen as a veritable spot for the program because of its formal and organized nature.

Teachers from the 18 Schools were trained on the basis of HIV/AIDS and Communication modes and later co-opted into the program after advocacy with the authorities of the Schools, which culminated in the approval of periods for the study.

Meanwhile, total of 42 teachers participated in the program with two personnel supervising the activities of the teachers during the program; which lasted for three months beginning from May to July, 2007.

The teachers reported their activities on daily and weekly basis following the scheme of work adapted from the FAMILY LIVE AND HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM and approved by the Centre for HIV/AIDS & STD RESEARCH (CHISTRE).

At the end of the 3 months, a total of 22,635 Pupils and Students were reached; with the following weekly breakdown:

Week 1: 3876
Week 2: 3931
Week 3: 5978
Week 4: 2742
Week 5: 3236
Week 6: 1882
Week 7: 774
Week 8: 200

However, the program was faced with some challenges. These include; dwindling and fluctuation in the numbering attendance due to non-compliance with the order of the School for Pupils to pay certain fees.

Lack of instructional materials: This greatly affected the program as there are absolute lack of materials for effective communication being that HIV/AIDS is a new concept in School.

Lack of Qualified Teachers: Most of the Teachers have no knowledge about HIV/AIDS prior to the program and this has its effect on the program.

Indifference: Some Head Teachers are opposed to the teaching of sex and disease in schools affected the smooth running.