CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR THE POINT OF INQUIRY

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stipulated that teachers “should be willing and interested in teaching about STIs, HIV and AIDS; have sufficient and appropriate knowledge about STIs, HIV and AIDS; be accepted by the school staff, the community, and the students; be able to maintain confidentiality and objectivity; be familiar with and at ease when using sexual terminology and discussing sexual issues, be respectful of students’ and family values; be an effective communicator and facilitator of classroom learning, and be accessible to students and parents for discussion”.

Therefore, if all of these expectations from teachers are to be met, teachers need multiple supports in the areas of

Ø Training

Ø Access to information and teaching materials

Ø Parental, community and religious leaders support

Ø Support of school administrators and other governmental officials

Teachers must remember that adolescents learn best:

Ø When their views are listened to and respected

Ø When learning incorporate their previous experiences, knowledge and skills, as well as support theirexisting values

Ø When they are actively involved

The teachers may utilize the following tips as necessary to help make learning achievable in the classroom: