a sourcebook of hiv/aids prevention programs volume 2

156 A Sourcebook of HIV/AIDS Prevention Programs, Vol. 2ensure that sexual health and HIV/AIDS education engenders positivevalues, attitudes, and behaviors?DescriptionRationale and HistoryIn 2003 Namibia established a policy framework that was conducive to curricularreform. The framework demanded “age- and ability-appropriateeducation on HIV/AIDS . . . in the curriculum of all learners” (MBESC/MHETTEC 2003).At the time the framework was adopted, the school curriculum did notoffer a self-standing, compulsory life-skills subject. Life-skills training wasallocated only one lesson a week in the school timetable. Moreover, lessonswere often not taught, because teachers were assigned to the subject in arandom manner.In 2003 Namibia developed the Window of Hope program, a compre -hensive life-skills education that adds an HIV education component to theexisting formal curriculum and supports after-school clubs (figure 8.1). Theprogram is managed and implemented by the HIV/AIDS Management Unit(HAMU) of the Ministry of Basic Education, Sport and Culture (MBESC),with technical assistance from UNICEF. Targeting the crucial “window ofopportunity” in adolescent behavior formation, the program equips 9- to 14-year-olds with self-esteem, knowledge, attitudes, and skills before theybecome sexually active and risk behaviors become ingrained.Following an audit of all subject curricula in senior-primary school and anationwide study of the status of HIV/AIDS education, a national workshopwas held. During the workshop, stakeholders agreed on an integrationframework in which two examinable subjects—natural science and healtheducation and social studies—were identified as the core carrier subjects forFigure 8.1: Timeline of Window of Hope Implementation2003National study on needs ofupper-primary teachersand learners conducted;two national stakeholders’workshops held; programdesigned.2004Junior modules finalized. Thirtytwoeducation officers from 13regional directorates trainedas Window of Hope trainers;655 teachers from 572 schoolstrained. Eight of 13 regionsachieved more than 80 percentcoverage of all primary schools.2005Senior modules finalized;Window of Hope trainerstrained on senior modules;teacher training on juniorand senior modules rolledout.Source: Authors.(c) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank