22 Oct 2008

PNG teachers undergo training to teach students about HIV/AIDS

4:21 pm on 22 October 2008

Primary school teachers in Papua New Guinea's public schools are undergoing training in how to teach their students about the risks of contracting HIV/AIDs.

In partnership with the United Nations body, UNAIDS, the Education Department is conducting two-week-long life skills workshops around the country.

UNAIDS HIV Consultant, Joe Anang, says the programme aims to equip teachers with the skills on how to teach pupils to make the right decisions, when dealing with sexual relationships.

He says it is important for children to adopt these life skills at a young age.

"From grade six to eight children will be in the age group when they are becoming adolescents or teenagers. And at grade eight most students leave school without actually having the chance to advance to grade nine or twelve. So we feel this is the right time to catch this group."

Mr Anang says as part of the programme, students will look at case studies and take part in role plays.