An Evaluation of the Implementation of the Education Sector Policy and Its Awareness of Hiv and Aids in Secondary Schools:the Case of Selected Schools in Mombasa

Abstract

Statistics show that most of the youth between the ages of 10 and 24, who form 50% of those infected by HIV worldwide are either in high schools or freshmen in colleges. In response to this problem, secondary schools are expected to equip students with appropriate HIV and AIDS information and skills that will enable them to act responsibly and in effect reduce the spread of HIV.

The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the implementation of the education sector policy on HIV and AIDS in secondary schools in Mombasa Municipality, Kenya. Out of the four major goals of the Education Sector policy on HIV and AIDS, this study focused on one goal namely: prevention. In this goal, one of the key areas addressed was the integration of HIV education into the curriculum and co-curricular activities. The study was guided by the following research questions: 1. To what extent is HIV and AIDS education included in the curriculum in secondary schools? 2. To what extent is HIV and AIDS education included in the co-curricular activities in secondary schools? 111. What is the level of awareness of HIV and AIDS by the students? This research was conducted in five schools in Mombasa Municipality using the survey research design. The sample of the study comprised of eighty five students and twenty teachers.

The data for this study was obtained from self administered questionnaires to the students and the teachers. A pilot test was conducted and this contributed to the improvement of the research items in both questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistic measures, namely frequency distribution and percentages. Further conclusions were drawn from the data analyzed and relevant recommendations were made. The findings of this study will benefit teachers, headteachers and school managers to understand and appropriately respond to factors that have affected the implementation of the HIV and AIDS policy in their institutions. Further, policy makers will find the study results invaluable in reviewing the viability and appropriateness of the goal oriented policies designed, and ensuring they are implemented as intended.