The issue of HIV Testing in schools is interesting and at the same time a concern. The government say it is important for our kids to know their status early so that they can take necessary steps relevant to their status. The different media carried information that the process of testing will start next month of which the Minister of Health says the information is wrong because they (as government) are still consulting with expert regarding the way the whole testing thing is going to be handled.
My concern is that we had plans before of which were very good and of good intention but the implementation was a flop. We were so excited about the introduction of OBE but implementation was not such a success, even teachers accepted the fact that they were not given sufficient training in the implementation and some even went to an extent of saying they don’t understand what OBE is.
The implantation of NCV at the FET Colleges also an example of an implementation that is failing, we hope for success, this are just some of good plans and vision but coming to implementation we are left with a lot to desire. Our schools many of them don’t have resident Social Workers or Psychologists, so how is the issue of Pre/Post counselling going to be handled, yes some will say outsource but are we having the capacity? In terms of the kids themselves how are they gonna handle the news that they are positive? Just a matric fail lead many of young people to commit suicide, leaves some with mental illness and so on. The confidentiality issue, how sure are we that the kids status will remain confidential until such time when they (kids) decide to disclose? What I am saying here is lets not make a mistake of rushing or getting excited in introducing programs without proper plans, the example I mentioned above in failing to successfully implement are much better because kids as much as they are affected, its not like this one of testing for HIV status, a wrong implementation of this will surely destroy many of our future leaders. We are eagerly waiting to hear how the government is going to roll out this plan.
A good intention but failure to implement will equal a disaster. This is my opinion, what are your thoughts? You are welcome to comment and your thought/comment is appreciated.
