The main objective of the Mwanza School HIV & AIDS Education Program is to provide guidance and education to young children on these conditions. This project empowers church leaders, teachers and student peer leaders who in return educate the school children on the subject of HIV and AIDS. The participatory nature of this program involves the children in designing some of the edutainment activities which create ownership and lasting impact hence the sustainability of this project.
The following groups are trained in what the Bible says about marriage, sex, HIV and AIDS. They are also taught the skills in how to reach out to the affected with godly love.
- Religious leaders
- Peer leaders
- Primary school teachers
- Parents and community members
“The young children are supportive and compassionate towards orphans living with HIV and AIDS. The project training has assisted us increase knowledge on HIV and AIDS and nullifying negative myths about the epidemic”. (Salome Masanja, Teacher, Busweru Primary School)
“The project supported through provision of sports gear, footballs and netballs has assisted in reduction of stigma and discrimination among young children. Playing together eliminates social inequalities and erodes out the discrimination among young children”. (Chaha Sabai, Head Teacher, Nyere Primary School)
AE Tanzania is indeed grateful to AE Australia and all her partners for supporting this project. The project reached 14,368 young children directly in schools and over 10,000 people indirectly through school competitions and community outreach gatherings. The program has transformed the lives of young children as well as adults. Exposure to the right information on the spread of HIV and AIDS has helped reduce the epidemic in Mwanza, Tanzania. The rate of dropping out of school through child pregnancies has reduced by 90%. This is a project that can easily be replicated across the country with availability of funding.