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Micro Enterprise Alliance launches HIV/AIDS tool kit
05 June 2003. Business Report. Republished courtesy of Independent Newspapers (Pty) Ltd.
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The Micro Enterprise Alliance has launched an HIV/AIDS workplace programme for small enterprises.
The programme takes the form of a tool kit that is easy to adapt for any size of organisation.
The initiative is aimed at facilitating the implementation of an affordable and effective HIV/AIDS programme for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
The tool kit includes a "how to manual" as well as teaching resources.
The manual explains what a HIV/AIDS workplace programme is and describes concepts such as policy development. It also includes lesson plans and a comprehensive resource list of websites, organisations and HIV/AIDS centres.
Facilitators have to be trained before they take possession of the tool kits and after-sales back- up is supplied by the training providers - the Micro Enterprise Alliance (MEA) and South African Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (Sabcoha).
The tool kit was developed following research conducted by MEA and a pilot project in nine organisations that provide finance and business services to SMMEs.
A knowledge and attitude survey done in these organisations showed 50% of staff interviewed indicating that their organisations did not have an HIV/AIDS policy; 14% didn't know if their organisations had such a policy; and 99% felt their organisations should have a policy.
The findings of the pilot project showed that HIV/AIDS programmes created an atmosphere of openness and increased organisational cohesiveness.
It also found that staff members passed on their new knowledge and skills to family members and social groups outside the workplace. |
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