Project Database

EFAIDS Programme

Country:	Senegal
Start Date:	2006-01-01
Deadline:	2010-12-31
Host organisations:	Syndicat National de l'Enseignement Elémentaire (SNEEL-CNTS) Syndicat Unique et Démocratique des Enseignants du Sénégal (SUDES) Syndicat des Professeurs du Sénégal (SYPROS) Union Démocratique des Enseignants du Sénégal (UDEN)
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

This project is still in progress.

Project Summary:

In Senegal the EFAIDS Programme is implemented by four unions united under the COSSEL (Senegalese Committe of Teacher Unions Fighting for EFA and against HIV/AIDS) since 2006. COSSEL was involved in the former EI HIV Prevention Programme from 2002 to 2005.

Activities in 2008

COSSEL emphasised training and research in their programme of activities. Within their training activities, COSSEL surpassed government efforts to provide training to teachers in all the regions of the country – a feat which was acclaimed by key actors in the Senegalese education sector.

Specifically, COSSEL trained 28 members of the unions’ leadership and members of the project coordination committee (who are also national trainers) to familiarise them with EI material on the inclusion and support of HIV positive teachers and on building gender friendly schools. This training also provided an opportunity for policy development as participants worked on a Code of Ethics, adapting the EI Declaration of Professional Ethics to suit the Senegalese context, and the needs of union members. Regional workshops were organised in three regions (Dakar, Fatick, Matam) targeting 160 department union leaders on the use of EI-EFAIDS material. Following the workshop, these union activists trained colleagues in their own schools and surrounding schools within the cascade model.

A further training session of Master Trainers focused on leadership. This training of 44 regional union leaders subsequently led to the establishment of regional groups who followed an action plan on HIV prevention focusing on promoting voluntary counselling and testing.

COSSEL completed two major research projects during the year.

By surveying all aspects of the learning environment in 300 schools from pre-school to tertiary level, COSSEL determined where improvements needed to be made to eliminate gender stereotypes and promote gender equality. This data is being used in ongoing advocacy efforts and is reflected in training priorities for 2009.

COSSEL also conducted an investigation on the needs of teachers living with HIV and AIDS in five regions of Senegal (Dakar, Louga, Matam, Ziguinchor et Kolda). Following the study, 29 teachers decided to get involved in the unions’ activities in relation to HIV and AIDs prevention and education. A study report was developed highlighting the needs of HIV positive teachers as well as the challenges they face in maintaining their careers.

COSSEL’s efforts to ensure all their HIV positive members are supported and involved in the EFAIDS programme and union work at all levels culminated in the creation in December of CARVEE, a new inter-union network to support Senegalese teachers Living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. This network was launched at the 15th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) held in Dakar from December 3-7. CARVEE is committed to work in partnership with international organisations to represent and include teachers living with HIV, as well as to direct policy responses to HIV and AIDS in the education sector.

The four unions prepared for World AIDS day on December 1 by translating the EI ‘One Hour ion AIDS’ lesson into local languages so that it would have a deeper impact in the regions.

Similar projects elsewhere in the region:

Common Name:	Senegal
Official Name:	Republic of Senegal

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