Implementing Curriculum for HIV and AIDS in Botswana

In Botswana, a country with a high prevalence rate of HIV infection, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development is implementing an innovative approach to HIV and AIDS education through school health curricula and learning materials that emphasize skill-building, decision-making, self-respect, community ties, and personal and collective responsibility.

In collaboration with the Botswana Ministry of Education and CDC-Botswana HHD developed a set of high-quality, culturally appropriate, behavior-based, and interactive curricula and related materials. This is the first comprehensive set of national materials to educate primary and secondary school students in Botswana about HIV and AIDS and STIs, and teach them skills to make healthy choices. The curricula combine successful Botswana and regional materials with original research contributions.

HHD has been awarded a 5 year Cooperative Agreement with CDC in Botswana (BOTUSA) to continue the work of implementing the Life Skills Curriculum with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. HHD is tasked primarily with the training of teachers and education officers on the use of the developed materials and monitoring and evaluating the overall implementation of the curriculum. EDC has subcontracted a local NGO, Stepping Stones International, to carry out activities in one region which will help to bridge the gap between schools and the community in life skills education. EDC is also working with the University of Botswana to implement a robust monitoring and evaluation strategy which will ensure that the work is sustained within the Ministry of Education and Skills Development beyond 2015.