challenges facing implementation of the education sector policy on hiv and aids education and provision of care and support to orphaned and vulnerable learners in public secondary schools in kenya

Abstract

The Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MoEST) developed the Education Sector Policy on HIV and AIDS in 2004 and tasked school managers amongst other stakeholders with implementation. Provision of HIV & AIDS education is aimed at prevention and management of HIV & AIDS. Care and support of learners made vulnerable by HIV & AIDS in academic institutions aimed at ensuring that their academic journeys are not interrupted. The study investigated the challenges facing implementation of the Education Sector Policy on HIV & AID Sand provision of care and support to orphaned and vulnerable learners (OVLs) in public secondary schools in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to find out effects of teacher preparedness, external circumstances, time, resources, policy content and organizational factors on implementation of the Education Sector Policy on HIV & AIDS. The study was guided by Gunn’s argument which advanced the independent variables of this study. The independent variables were teacher preparedness, external circumstances, time, resources, policy content and organizational factors while the dependent variable was implementation of the Education Sector policy on HIV & AIDS. The research methodology was both qualitative and quantitative and the study employed survey research design. It was carried out in Kajiado County in Kenya. The study targeted public secondary schools in the County. Stratified and simple random sampling methods were used to select schools across the five sub counties of Kajiado County. Purposive sampling method was used to select head teachers, deputy head teachers, class teachers and guidance and counseling teachers. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data which was presented in charts, tables, percentages, means and standard deviations. Correlation and regression analyses determined the relationship between the independent and dependent variables and the strength of that relationship respectively. The study findings indicated that teacher preparedness, organizational factors, time, resources, policy content and external circumstances influence implementation of the Education Sector Policy on HIV & AIDS in providing HIV & AIDS education and care and support to OVLs. Correlation and regression analyses established that there was a relationship between the independent and the dependent variable and this relationship was strong. The study recommended that these factors need to be considered in any effort to boost implementation of the policy on HIV & AIDS education and provision of care and support to OVLs in public secondary schools. The study further recommended that teachers be trained on the content of the policy and guidance and counseling programs and activities in schools be strengthened to address education on HIV & AIDS adequately. In addition, the study recommended that HIV & AIDS education programs and activities be allocated more time in the school curriculum and adequate resources and funds be availed. The study recommended that the teachers be given support to enable their participation in HIV & AIDS education programs and activities in schools and providing care and support to OVLs.