Implications for Future Programs

4 ASSESSING EDUCATORS’VIEWS ON THE IMPACT OF HIV/AIDS ON PRIMARY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: Implications for Future Programs

HIV/AIDS interventions in primary Percentage Responding to Whether Teachers Are schools Well-Equipped and Well-Suited to Teach About Assessing Educators’ Views The most supported HIV/AIDS intervention HIV/AIDS, by State (2004). in primary schools identified during this study 100 90% on the Impact of HIV/AIDS on is HIV/AIDS education in upper primary 90 80 77% classes. According to respondents, little 72% HIV/AIDS education in primary schools is 70 Primary Education in Nigeria The unanimous 60 currently occurring in the three states. 49% support for HIV/AIDS 50 40%

Percent 40 education in upper However, 32% 30 primary schools ■ Most teachers interviewed indicated that Implications for Future Programs 20 among they were not currently well-equipped to 10 conduct HIV/AIDS education. all stakeholders 0 presents an ■ Effective implementation of the curriculum Nasarawa Lagos Kano opportunity for would require investment in the distribution Well-suited to teach about HIV/AIDS implementation of of HIV/AIDS resource materials. Well-equipped to teach about HIV/AIDS the Family Life and ■ Most parents would not support education HIV/AIDS Curriculum on, the use of, and/or distribution of that was developed condoms. by the Nigeria Educational Next Steps to Be Considered Research and ◆ There is a need to finalize and implement the ◆ Dialogue with teacher training institutions Development Council draft National HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy for should be developed to incorporate life skills (NERDC) and the the Education Sector recently developed by training into Primary Education Studies Universal Basic FMOE, in the near future. It is also necessary (PES) teacher pre-service training curricula Education to develop HIV/AIDS prevention and to ensure that all teachers entering the Commission (UBEC). mitigation programs that specifically target teacher corps are equipped. educators in primary schools. ◆ More culturally appropriate and gender- ◆ Ongoing dissemination of the Family Life and sensitive resource materials on HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS curriculum that was developed by should be distributed to primary schools. NERDC and UBEC should be supplemented ◆ Local government-organized community with capacity-building workshops on meetings to increase awareness about the HIV/AIDS issues for primary teachers. curriculum at the local level and to obtain For more information about this project, please contact stakeholder buy-in should be considered. Robert Ssengonzi, PhD Summary ◆ November 2004 International Development The study results Group (IDG) Findings discussed in this brochure are from a study conducted by RTI International with suggest that RTI International funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under A USAID-funded HIV/AIDS impact study on primary education completed in while the impacts 3040 Cornwallis Road of HIV/AIDS on P. O. Box 12194 Contract No. 620-A-00-04-00029-00. 2004 indicates that Kano, Lagos, and Nasarawa states have practical opportunities primary education Research Triangle Park, to restrain the increasing vulnerability of their primary education system to NC 27709-2194 USA have not yet HIV/AIDS. become Telephone:1-919-485-5602 pronounced, Fax: 1-919-541-6621 now is the most Email: [email protected] The study, which was conducted among 1,350 of the states’ stakeholders—public sector school administrators, teachers, educational planners, parents, and opportune time to Photos: Staff of the USAID Literacy scale up HIV/AIDS Enhancement Assistance Project (LEAP). community leaders—assessed the impact of HIV/AIDS on primary education and interventions in Used courtesy of Education Development primary schools. Center, Inc. (EDC). explored feasible interventions that can be introduced in primary schools.

RTI International is a trade name of Research Triangle Institute. 2 ASSESSING EDUCATORS’VIEWS ON THE IMPACT OF HIV/AIDS ON PRIMARY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: Implications for Future Programs ASSESSING EDUCATORS’VIEWS ON THE IMPACT OF HIV/AIDS ON PRIMARY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: Implications for Future Programs 3

Adult HIV prevalence in ■ One in every five Nasarawa teachers (20%) ■ Since most health, demographic, and social and in other spheres of life. In some cases, such Estimated adult HIV the three states reported having cared for someone infected impacts of HIV/AIDS lag HIV infection, the attitudes lead to discrimination against PLWAs. prevalence in 2003 Limited epidemiological and clinical data exist with HIV over the past five years, compared study’s observed impacts will likely increase, 8 with 8% of teachers in Kano and 4% in at least in the near future, given the increased on HIV/AIDS-related illnesses in Nigeria. Teachers’Views on How They Would Treat Fellow Lagos. estimated HIV prevalence over the past 6.5% However, available sentinel survey data inform HIV-Infected Workers. ■ decade. 6 that levels of HIV infection vary among adults Less than 7% of school administrators Percentage Responding Positively to reported a teacher death from any cause in Workplace Practices, by State (2004). 4.7% in the three states and that the rate of HIV Demand for Education: Pupil Attendance and 4.1% their schools during the past two years. cent Performance at School. HIV/AIDS can affect the Enhancements r 4 infection has been on the rise over the past Share 78

Pe 73 ■ 10 years. Illnesses (of self, relatives, or friends) and performance of pupils, especially through an office 85 to the Education funerals constituted the major causes of emotional and/or psychological distress 79 Management 2 Share 73 teacher absences in the last term in all three 81 Perceived impact of HIV/AIDS following the loss or illness of a relative, or work tools Information states. The percentage of reported absences through increased absences or drop-outs to Care for the 84 Systems (EMIS) 0 on primary education among 76 was highest in Nasarawa state. Although all teacher 79 Kano Lagos Nasarawa stakeholders care for ill relatives, or due to inability to pay and teacher of these absences were not HIV/AIDS- Feel comfortable 69 for tuition and scholastic materials. 60 management Most stakeholders interviewed do not view related, Nasarawa, which had the highest around them 70 policies could ■ HIV/AIDS as having had a major impact on estimated adult HIV prevalence among the Only 2.2% of school administrators reported Share an 44 28 enable consistent primary education in Nigeria, so far. three states over the past decade, also having children affected by HIV/AIDS (CAAs) eating utensil 54 in their schools over the past two years. and sustainable reported the highest rate of absenteeism and 0 20 40 60 80 100 ■ About 10% of the school administrators funerals. Another 6.7% were not sure if any of their ways to address Percent thought that the HIV/AIDS situation in their pupils had been affected. teacher communities was bad; 19% said they were Reason for Teacher Absenteeism in the Last Kano Lagos Nasarawa absenteeism. ■ About 3% of teachers in Nasarawa reported not sure because they “couldn’t tell who is Term According to School Administrators, having taught CAAs over the last two years, infected and who is not;” and 71% reported Teachers Were Divided in Their Opinions by State (2004). compared with 1.7% in Kano and 1% in that HIV/AIDS was very rare or non-existent. of Whether HIV-Positive Teachers 73 Lagos. Illness 42 Should Be Allowed to Teach. ■ Among teachers, 47% in Nasarawa reported 59 ■ The majority of respondents interviewed Percentage Responding to Teacher Management that HIV/AIDS has negatively affected 68 Funerals 47 (including those who did not have CAAs in Practices, by State (2004). primary education in their areas, compared 32 50 their schools/classes over the past two years) with 12% in Kano and 11% in Lagos. Training 48 96% 96% 7 concurred that CAAs are worse off than their 100 28 peers in overall health, nutrition, and 90 87% Indications of HIV/AIDS Festivals 37 9 emotional well being; school attendance; 80 impact on the supply and Non-teaching 18 70 29 affordability of tuition and textbooks; and 61% demand for education work 11 56% overall class performance. 60 54% 15 50 HIV/AIDS still carries Teacher Supply. HIV/AIDS can affect the Other 42 7 Percent 40 strong stigma. performance and productivity of educators 010203040506070 80 HIV/AIDS-related stigma and 30 Teachers and school through increased deaths, absences, and the Percent discrimination 20 administrators are financial and emotional burden of caregiving Kano Lagos Nasarawa Negative attitudes toward persons living with 10 Educators’ and reluctant to talk about for relatives and friends. Results from this HIV/AIDS (PLWA) and those affected by the 0 parents’ views study show state-level differences in reported Kano Lagos Nasarawa HIV in the workplace. School administrators currently have limited disease could negatively affect their (both those about the direct impact. Be allowed to teach Almost half of infected and affected) performance in school Receive same benefits that accrue to others HIV/AIDS situation operational guidelines on how to handle teachers interviewed ■ About 18% of teachers in Nasarawa believed are important teacher absences. Usually, they have another reported that they had been exposed to HIV infection in because they teacher take over the class, merge classes, or HIV-positive teachers the past compared with 7% in Lagos and 3% The Federal Ministry of Education (FMOE), together with can play a critical send children home early. should not be allowed in Kano. implementing partners, recently produced a draft National HIV/AIDS role in the ■ HIV/AIDS-related illnesses tend to be to teach. Also, most ■ Over 75% of Nasarawa teachers knew or had Workplace Policy for the Education Sector in Nigeria that will be implementation of chronic, and as the HIV/AIDS epidemic parents would not known someone infected with HIV—a much crucial to preventing the spread of HIV, mitigating its impact and HIV/AIDS-related spreads among the teaching corps, this could support having higher proportion than the 45% of teachers addressing HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination within the interventions in lead to longer-duration absences that HIV-infected teachers in Kano and 23% in Lagos. primary education system. primary schools. exacerbate the problem of teacher supply. teach in their schools. 2 ASSESSING EDUCATORS’VIEWS ON THE IMPACT OF HIV/AIDS ON PRIMARY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: Implications for Future Programs ASSESSING EDUCATORS’VIEWS ON THE IMPACT OF HIV/AIDS ON PRIMARY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: Implications for Future Programs 3

Pe 73 ■ 10 years. Illnesses (of self, relatives, or friends) and performance of pupils, especially through an office 85 to the Education funerals constituted the major causes of emotional and/or psychological distress 79 Management 2 Share 73 teacher absences in the last term in all three 81 Perceived impact of HIV/AIDS following the loss or illness of a relative, or work tools Information states. The percentage of reported absences through increased absences or drop-outs to Care for the 84 Systems (EMIS) 0 on primary education among 76 was highest in Nasarawa state. Although all teacher 79 Kano Lagos Nasarawa stakeholders care for ill relatives, or due to inability to pay and teacher of these absences were not HIV/AIDS- Feel comfortable 69 for tuition and scholastic materials. 60 management Most stakeholders interviewed do not view related, Nasarawa, which had the highest around them 70 policies could ■ HIV/AIDS as having had a major impact on estimated adult HIV prevalence among the Only 2.2% of school administrators reported Share an 44 28 enable consistent primary education in Nigeria, so far. three states over the past decade, also having children affected by HIV/AIDS (CAAs) eating utensil 54 in their schools over the past two years. and sustainable reported the highest rate of absenteeism and 0 20 40 60 80 100 ■ About 10% of the school administrators funerals. Another 6.7% were not sure if any of their ways to address Percent thought that the HIV/AIDS situation in their pupils had been affected. teacher communities was bad; 19% said they were Reason for Teacher Absenteeism in the Last Kano Lagos Nasarawa absenteeism. ■ About 3% of teachers in Nasarawa reported not sure because they “couldn’t tell who is Term According to School Administrators, having taught CAAs over the last two years, infected and who is not;” and 71% reported Teachers Were Divided in Their Opinions by State (2004). compared with 1.7% in Kano and 1% in that HIV/AIDS was very rare or non-existent. of Whether HIV-Positive Teachers 73 Lagos. Illness 42 Should Be Allowed to Teach. ■ Among teachers, 47% in Nasarawa reported 59 ■ The majority of respondents interviewed Percentage Responding to Teacher Management that HIV/AIDS has negatively affected 68 Funerals 47 (including those who did not have CAAs in Practices, by State (2004). primary education in their areas, compared 32 50 their schools/classes over the past two years) with 12% in Kano and 11% in Lagos. Training 48 96% 96% 7 concurred that CAAs are worse off than their 100 28 peers in overall health, nutrition, and 90 87% Indications of HIV/AIDS Festivals 37 9 emotional well being; school attendance; 80 impact on the supply and Non-teaching 18 70 29 affordability of tuition and textbooks; and 61% demand for education work 11 56% overall class performance. 60 54% 15 50 HIV/AIDS still carries Teacher Supply. HIV/AIDS can affect the Other 42 7 Percent 40 strong stigma. performance and productivity of educators 010203040506070 80 HIV/AIDS-related stigma and 30 Teachers and school through increased deaths, absences, and the Percent discrimination 20 administrators are financial and emotional burden of caregiving Kano Lagos Nasarawa Negative attitudes toward persons living with 10 Educators’ and reluctant to talk about for relatives and friends. Results from this HIV/AIDS (PLWA) and those affected by the 0 parents’ views study show state-level differences in reported Kano Lagos Nasarawa HIV in the workplace. School administrators currently have limited disease could negatively affect their (both those about the direct impact. Be allowed to teach Almost half of infected and affected) performance in school Receive same benefits that accrue to others HIV/AIDS situation operational guidelines on how to handle teachers interviewed ■ About 18% of teachers in Nasarawa believed are important teacher absences. Usually, they have another reported that they had been exposed to HIV infection in because they teacher take over the class, merge classes, or HIV-positive teachers the past compared with 7% in Lagos and 3% The Federal Ministry of Education (FMOE), together with can play a critical send children home early. should not be allowed in Kano. implementing partners, recently produced a draft National HIV/AIDS role in the ■ HIV/AIDS-related illnesses tend to be to teach. Also, most ■ Over 75% of Nasarawa teachers knew or had Workplace Policy for the Education Sector in Nigeria that will be implementation of chronic, and as the HIV/AIDS epidemic parents would not known someone infected with HIV—a much crucial to preventing the spread of HIV, mitigating its impact and HIV/AIDS-related spreads among the teaching corps, this could support having higher proportion than the 45% of teachers addressing HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination within the interventions in lead to longer-duration absences that HIV-infected teachers in Kano and 23% in Lagos. primary education system. primary schools. exacerbate the problem of teacher supply. teach in their schools. 4 ASSESSING EDUCATORS’VIEWS ON THE IMPACT OF HIV/AIDS ON PRIMARY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: Implications for Future Programs

in primary schools identified during this study 100 90% on the Impact of HIV/AIDS on is HIV/AIDS education in upper primary 90 80 77% classes. According to respondents, little 72% HIV/AIDS education in primary schools is 70 Primary Education in Nigeria The unanimous 60 currently occurring in the three states. 49% support for HIV/AIDS 50 40%

opportunity for would require investment in the distribution Well-suited to teach about HIV/AIDS implementation of of HIV/AIDS resource materials. Well-equipped to teach about HIV/AIDS the Family Life and ■ Most parents would not support education HIV/AIDS Curriculum on, the use of, and/or distribution of that was developed condoms. by the Nigeria Educational Next Steps to Be Considered Research and ◆ There is a need to finalize and implement the ◆ Dialogue with teacher training institutions Development Council draft National HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy for should be developed to incorporate life skills (NERDC) and the the Education Sector recently developed by training into Primary Education Studies Universal Basic FMOE, in the near future. It is also necessary (PES) teacher pre-service training curricula Education to develop HIV/AIDS prevention and to ensure that all teachers entering the Commission (UBEC). mitigation programs that specifically target teacher corps are equipped. educators in primary schools. ◆ More culturally appropriate and gender- ◆ Ongoing dissemination of the Family Life and sensitive resource materials on HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS curriculum that was developed by should be distributed to primary schools. NERDC and UBEC should be supplemented ◆ Local government-organized community with capacity-building workshops on meetings to increase awareness about the HIV/AIDS issues for primary teachers. curriculum at the local level and to obtain For more information about this project, please contact stakeholder buy-in should be considered. Robert Ssengonzi, PhD Summary ◆ November 2004 International Development The study results Group (IDG) Findings discussed in this brochure are from a study conducted by RTI International with suggest that RTI International funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under A USAID-funded HIV/AIDS impact study on primary education completed in while the impacts 3040 Cornwallis Road of HIV/AIDS on P. O. Box 12194 Contract No. 620-A-00-04-00029-00. 2004 indicates that Kano, Lagos, and Nasarawa states have practical opportunities primary education Research Triangle Park, to restrain the increasing vulnerability of their primary education system to NC 27709-2194 USA have not yet HIV/AIDS. become Telephone:1-919-485-5602 pronounced, Fax: 1-919-541-6621 now is the most Email: [email protected] The study, which was conducted among 1,350 of the states’ stakeholders—public sector school administrators, teachers, educational planners, parents, and opportune time to Photos: Staff of the USAID Literacy scale up HIV/AIDS Enhancement Assistance Project (LEAP). community leaders—assessed the impact of HIV/AIDS on primary education and interventions in Used courtesy of Education Development primary schools. Center, Inc. (EDC). explored feasible interventions that can be introduced in primary schools.

RTI International is a trade name of Research Triangle Institute.