Project Database
EFAIDS Programme
| Country: | Grenada |
| Start Date: | 2007-01-01 |
| Deadline: | 2010-12-31 |
| Host organisations: |
Grenada Union of Teachers
(GUT)
|
| Co-operating organisations: |
Education International (EI)
World Health Organisation (WHO) Education Development Center (EDC) |
| Related Links: | |
| Grouping: | EI Education For All-HIV/AIDS Prevention (EFAIDS) Programme |
Project Summary:
The HIV epidemic in Grenada, despite its low incidence, has continued on an upward trend. The Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) that represents and unites all teachers throughout the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, wants to make sure this tendency is reversed. Teachers are concerned with the fact that approximately 70 percent of reported AIDS cases and AIDS-related deaths were among persons aged 15 to 44 years, and the union is committed to raising awareness among members, students and parents.
The union has mobilised the membership to understand the impact of the disease on the education sector. In order to prevent new HIV infections among teachers and learners, GUT has organised workshops to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and others from the virus. The union made progress on establishing a focal point in every school for disseminating pertinent and current information on the EFAIDS programme.
GUT has also focused efforts on tackling the issue of stigma and discrimination by developing a support group for teachers and students living with HIV and AIDS. Also, in 2008, the union started a broad consultation process to develop a policy to mitigate the negative effects of AIDS on achieving EFA goals. This process will support the education sector to acknowledge AIDS as a work place issue. The unions also undertook consultations with branch members, the Women’s Committee and the Education and Research Committee with a view to developing a policy to protect the rights of teachers and workers in educational institutions and to avoid stigma and discrimination.
The union advocated for comprehensive education on HIV and AIDS, including prevention and voluntary counselling and testing as well as for access to treatment, care and support.
Similar projects elsewhere in the region:
Antigua and Barbuda - EFAIDS Programme Belize - EFAIDS Programme Dominica - EFAIDS Programme Guyana - EFAIDS Programme Haiti - EFAIDS Programme Jamaica - EFAIDS Programme Saint Kitts and Nevis - EFAIDS Programme Saint Lucia - EFAIDS Programme Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - EFAIDS Programme Suriname - EFAIDS Programme Trinidad and Tobago - EFAIDS Programme
