Constraints in Implementation of HIV and AIDS Curriculum Integration in Primary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

Education was identified as the critical means of achieving behaviour change in and out of the classroom in order to prevent and mitigate the spread of HIV and AIDS among the youth. This study sought to investigate the constraints during HIV and AIDS curriculum implementation, the study was guided by social cognitive approach theories, survey and evaluation research designs. The study population constituted all class eight pupils, teachers, head teachers, teacher counsellors, quality assurance and standards officers of the Ministry of Education. Both multi – stage cluster sampling and purposive sampling procedures were used to select the sample.  Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires, interview schedule, observation checklist and Focus Group Discussion.  Secondary data was collected from documented information on HIV and AIDS curriculum integration programme. The established that Constraints facing implementation of HIV and AIDS curriculum integration program in primary schools included lack of adequate teaching and learning resources, financial constraint, ignorance on the part of pupils, inadequate resources, lack of motivation for teachers, Lack of adequate teaching materials, lack of adequate time, negative attitude, stigma, understaffing and wide curriculum. The study recommends that the ministry of education should provide adequate teaching and learning materials for HIV and AIDS education for effective implementation of the integration in the curriculum in primary schools. Relevant infrastructure, such as electricity should be provided so that learners can be able to use facilities such as audio-visual materials. There is also need for teachers to attend in-service training to be more equipped in teaching HIV and AIDS. This will increase their knowledge base and help curb against misconceptions on HIV and AIDS.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS curriculum, implementation, constraints/challenges, adequacy