AIDS: Views of Rural High School Students as expressed an Essay Competition

Abstract

An essay competition for high school students in the Manguzi sub-district of KwaZuluNatal, with the topic "AIDS:What can we do?" provided an opportunity to gain insights into students' understanding of the disease. The 668 entries were scrutinised and the expressed ideas ofthe students were grouped into a number of themes, which included the meaning of Al DS, transmission and prevention of AIDS, the reason for and threat of AIDS, and possible solutions to the problem of AIDS. Although students demonstrated good awareness ofthe issues around HIV/AIDS,they also expressed much confusion and misunderstanding, together with a desire for more information. The concepts expressed by students can help to inform educational programmes in high schools.