Building confidence to discuss HIV

Teachers need stronger training and better tools if students are to discuss HIV openly, Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Education Iliesa Vanawalu said.

He said prepared teachers can help students feel safe asking questions about prevention, testing and stigma. Vanawalu also pointed to the silence and confidentiality surrounding people affected by AIDS.

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Because if you talk about the stigma involved, what we have seen inside the room, the silent part of it, and the confidentiality about those who are involved with AIDS.

Dan Vakamoce, assistant principal at Nasinu Secondary School, said a safe environment can encourage students to share concerns with their peers. He noted that HIV remains taboo for many iTaukei students, but said some become more open when they talk among themselves.

The Education Ministry said schools, parents and communities must share responsibility for addressing HIV among young people.

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There’s something that we’ve noticed: students mostly cannot share this for us iTaukei; we know its taboo, you can’t share that, but for them, once they mingle with their peers, they come out and share what they think is appropriate.