by Dee Lamour

Created on: May 18, 2008

HIV Conversed in Schools
How will the youth of today learn about HIV? Who are the most influential people in young peoples minds? Quite simply their friends!

I believe that if we can talk openly about the importance of safe sex practices and educate our youth on HIV we have a chance at beating this disease or at the very least see a significant decline in new cases. It should be built into the curriculum and taught beginning in about grade 6. In many schools kids are experimenting with drugs, why do we not want to believe that they are also experimenting with sex.

Many children do not have the opportunity to ask questions at home. Many parents do not have the facts to offer even when the questions are asked. Something has to be done. HIV can affect anyone at any age. You do not have to be a bad person or even conduct them self in a way that is considered risky. They need to know this. The only reasonable alternative to diminishing stigma and to keep our youth safe is to educate.

If we are to teach them,what better way than together,with their peers. If taught in schools it would be a topic of conversation amongst the kids,with knowledge based information, not rumors. Youth are often misinformed about HIV and this misinformation is passed on from one young person to another. We have a huge opportunity and a innate responsibility to enable them to make good decisions.

Unfortunately, what you don't know can certainly harm you, and what you know, with facts not fiction, empowers everyone to understand and then make appropriate choices. Let them have their voices heard, answer their questions and dissipate the fears and myths surrounding HIV. Who, how, when is what they need to know.

Our children are smart and resourceful and as we know,knowledge is power. Even for young children. Is total comprehension necessary? I don't think so. Think about teaching young children about stranger danger, different issue but just as important.

Even just introducing the topic of HIV with age appropriate education is key. The youth today are the future, I know that is cliche but it is also true. We need to provide them all with all we can to ensure their quality of life.

I wish I had known more about HIV without having to learn from the experiences of others. Maybe I would have been more of a ally instead of thinking that HIV would never affect me or anyone I loved. How wrong I was.

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