LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION TOOLKIT FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN INDIA 3•
Session One: HIV and My Body
Objectives
At the end of the session the children will:
- Learn how HIV affects the immune system and
allows opportunistic infections to attack the
body; - Learn why girls are especially vulnerable to HIV
infection; - Learn why a child living with HIV must
strengthen his immune system; - Learn how HIV is transmitted and how it is not;
and - Learn which behaviors are safe due to low risk
of STI/HIV transmission.
Key Points
The children need to understand that HIV infection
is different from others because it attacks the
immune system so that any infection can more
easily enter the body.
It is common among many young people to feel
that they are “invincible.” That is all the more
reason they need to know that the HIV virus can
infect anyone if they do not take care to prevent its
transmission. At the same time, those who are
affected by HIV (because their friend or family is
infected but they themselves are not infected) need
to know they can prevent the HIV virus from
entering their bodies. Those who are infected need
to know that if they strengthen their immune
system, no matter how damaged, they can lead
healthier and happier lives and prevent the
infection from spreading to others. Prevention is
for everyone—both the vulnerable and those who
are affected by and infected with HIV.
Always remind the group, especially girls, that their
body belongs to them and they have a right to
protect it. DO NOT introduce fear messages. HIV
is not driven away by demons; it is the children
who have to decide to be safe. Variations and
additional activities are provided for different needs
of the group. Remember to adapt. The dance is a
lot of fun but do not forget to process the
information.
There are a lot of misconceptions about how HIV
is transmitted. Because of this, children who are
infected with or affected by HIV face stigma and
discrimination. If you can clear up these
misconceptions, children will know how HIV is not
transmitted. This is important for the later session
on living and caring for children living with HIV
and families.Life Skills Learned
Self awareness, communication, critical thinking
and problem solving.Time Required
40 minutes.Materials
Flipcharts, markers, props for the HIV dance
and music.