Perceptions of teachers on primary school children vulnerability to HIV/AIDS during the 2007 post election violence in Kibera slums, Kenya

Abstract

The study aimed at establishing the perceptions of teachers on primary school children vulnerability to HIV/AIDS during the 2007-2008 post election violence in Kibera Slums, Kenya. Four research objectives were formulated to guide the study. This study used descriptive survey design. The sample comprised of 16 headteachers and 160 teachers. Data was collected by use of questionnaires for teachers and headteachers while children were involved in focus group discussions. The data indicated that there were various causes of HIV/AIDS infection among primary school children during post-election violence.

Findings indicated that there were various factors that led to primary school children vulnerability to HIV/AIDS during Post Election Violence. It was revealed that during post election violence law enforcement that protect individual rights broke down thus increasing vulnerability of children to sexual intimidation and consequently HIV/AIDS. Poverty during post election violence led to child prostitution among primary school children putting them at the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Children were compelled by the 'push' factors like poverty and lack of protection to indulge in unbecoming behavior like prostitution.

Extreme push factors arose when children's families got killed or when they had separated from their parents or customary caretakers who might have provided care and protection. Orphans and separated children decided to join prostitution as a means of obtaining food. Besides, destitution of the children due to the post election violence made them susceptible to such heinous acts as rape thereby increasing their chances of acquiring HIV/AIDS. Some children engaged in small scale businesses to fend for their families. This too exposed them to sexual abuse which could have led to the acquisition of HI V/AIDS.

The study concluded that there were various remedial actions towards primary school pupils' vulnerability to HIV/AIDS during post Election Violence. These included initiation of education programmes to support children's psychological welfare, guidance and support to vulnerable children, keeping records of the affected children and linking them to children officers. Also the headteachers had created networks to identify affected children; they also organized educational activities that aimed at promoting awareness among children while programmes for parents on how to report incidents of child sexual abuse were introduced. Based on the findings it was recommended that measures should be put in place during violence to minimize children vulnerability.