By Charles Tjatindi
WINDHOEK
The HIV and AIDS Management unit (HAMU) within the Ministry of education on Tuesday convened a training workshop for teachers dealing with orphans and vulnerable children (OVC).
The workshop is aimed at providing teachers from primary schools within the Khomas Region with the necessary skills to deal with issues relating to the rising number of OVC. Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the two-day workshop, Director of Education for the Khomas Region, Claudia Tjikuua, said her ministry, being the main source of information for school-going learners, is expected to provide relevant and vital information to school learners through teachers especially regarding HIV/AIDS.
She noted that concrete efforts are required from the education ministry to enlighten caretakers about effective care and support systems.
“It is important that we, as educators and teachers, realize the fact that in some of the cases of OVC we are dealing with, we might be the only source of support and love for these children. It is therefore critical that we arm ourselves with the necessary skills,” she noted.
According to Tjikuua, the advent of HIV/AIDS and its impact on the education sector requires educators and teachers alike to adopt teaching methods that go beyond the intellectual development of the learner.
“We should be seen to be true exponents of the right of children to education, and do everything in our power to ensure that this right is enjoyed by all in our schools, irrespective of their social backgrounds,” she adds.
Tjikuua noted that due to its multi-cultured society, the Khomas education region is complicated to manage. She said a delicate approach needs to be enforced by teachers in the region when dealing with issues relating to OVC.
When the workshop concludes today, teachers will be assessed on how much knowledge they have gained. They will then be expected to adopt the newly acquired skills in everyday situations when tackling OVC issues.
The Ministry of Education plans to roll out such workshops to other regions in order to involve as many teachers and school counselors as possible.