Media release
29 September 2009
For immediate release
Students get a head start on HIV education
Students and teachers all over the country will now have access to a comprehensive text book and teaching materials on HIV/AIDS and STIs.
The new text book developed especially for the PNG Personal Development syllabus was launched today by the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Chris Moraitis, and Secretary for Education Dr Joseph Pagelio at Badihagwa Technical Secondary School, Hanuabada Village.
The PNG Department of Education with support from the Australian Government has purchased 18,000 PNG-specific text books and supporting teaching materials. 40 library kits will be distributed to each of PNG’s primary and secondary schools.
Dr Joseph Pagelio told the teachers and students from Badihagwa Secondary and visiting Hagara Primary schools that the Education Department was working hard to support teachers and schools to teach about HIV/AIDS and has introduced HIV/AIDS as a core part of teacher training and an important subject in many school programs.
“Education is important to reducing the risk of HIV. International studies have shown that completing basic primary education reduces HIV infection. These textbooks are precious and should be looked after and kept safe and dry,” said Dr Pagelio.
Mr Moraitis told the students that the text book provided a major step forward in getting a strong focus on the challenges of HIV/AIDS.
“It will mean a generation of Papua New Guinea children are better educated about HIV/AIDS and are able to take positive action against the disease.
“Together the text book and teaching materials will provide both teacher and student the knowledge to not only understand the disease but guidance on how to address some important HIV/AIDS related challenges,” said Mr Moraitis.