GNP+, in partnership with UNESCO, have published, Positive Learning: Meeting the needs of young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) in the education sector. 

This document outlines roles and responsibilities for the education sector in supporting young people living with HIV to realize their personal, social and educational potential. It provides practical recommendations for all those involved in the education sector, and further suggested actions for those in the health sector and for civil society. It is a tool for networks of people living with HIV and specifically young people living with HIV to advocate for more appropriate, conducive and supportive education systems. GNP+ and UNESCO adopted the framework of Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention for the publication to place the needs and well-being of the young person living with HIV at the centre of the discussion.

The publication was informed by a consultation held in Paris in 2010, by UNESCO and GNP+, where young people living with HIV, ministers of education and health, teachers, UN agencies and education experts came together to identify priorities of young people living with HIV in the education system and appropriate strategies to address these priorities.

The education sector has specific responsibilities with respect to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support; schools are the place where most children and young people spend a major part of their daily lives; and schools and education systems provide the linkage with communities as well as with other sectors such as health sector and social protection services. Comprehensive education sector responses need to be more responsive to the changing realities of the HIV epidemic and in particular to the role that learners and educators play in their communities. Young people living with HIV are accessing treatment in larger numbers, living longer and have many of the same needs and aspirations as other young people. A successful education sector response will support young people living with HIV to remain in school or non-formal programmes, complete their education and go on to live fulfilling lives in the workplace, community and their families.

For more information please contact Adam Garner This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it