Dear Eve,

I attended the Grand Finale of the Speak Up, Speak Out debating competition and saw you there. What did you think about the competition?

Attendee

Dear Attendee,

The final debate, which was held at the Holy Cross Church Hall on Friday, June 11, examined the moot: The formal school system is not a suitable setting for students infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Boundbrook Primary School proposed the moot and Christiana Leased Primary School opposed the moot. I thought that the standard of the two schools in terms of debating skills was very high and for young children they showed a level of maturity and understanding of the issues relating to the moot. They should be highly commended for this.

As someone who is infected with the virus and believes that the formal school is suitable for students infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS, I was happy that Christiana Leased Primary School won the competition. The reason I support infected and affected children attending the normal school system is that, by removing them you will further add another layer of stigma and discrimination that is inherent in such a separation. Also, I believe, and research has shown, that students have nothing to fear from day-to-day casual contact with those who are infected.

Discussions, debates and social dialogue should be encouraged as these will help to clear up misconceptions and myths about HIV and AIDS. It also highlights basic facts, for example: HIV is the virus that causes AIDS; HIV is an infection that you contract; you cannot contract AIDS.

The National Primary Schools HIV and AIDS Debating Competition is just one component of the education programme sponsored by the Scotia Bank Group. This programme was launched on World AIDS Day 2006. Since then, 2,000 students debated in over 200 primary and preparatory schools. Other components of this programme were:

* Performing Arts Education: Speech, Music, Drama and

Creative Writing;

* Community Outreach Programmes;

* Parenting Seminars; and

* Peer Facilitators Summer Camps.

Congratulations to Scotia Bank for the Speak Up Speak Out Education Programme 2006-2010 and congratulations to the children, parents, teachers, volunteers who were part of the process.

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