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HIV/AIDS drive starts school year
Nozipho Dlamini. 16 Janauary 2006. News24.com. Republished courtesy of News24.com
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The government's HIV/AIDS communication campaign, Khomanani, is embarking on a back-to-school drive, to raise awareness about available services to assist vulnerable children.
The director of the government's HIV/AIDS action plan and Khomanani spokesperson, Thami Skenjana, said January was the start of a new school year in which children, especially those from child-headed households, experienced different challenges.
Skenjana said: "Khomanani's 'Caring Together for Children' drive aims to coincide with this critical period to promote social-safety networks such as welfare services provided by the government."
She urged teachers and caregivers to play a role in identifying children who were at risk.
"By talking and listening to children, they can spot the warning signals, such as hunger, lack of concentration, illness, scratches and bruising as signs of abuse, fatigue and depression.
"They also can observe poor school attendance.
"Once these signs are noticed, the next step for teachers and caregivers is to get access to social services and thus help affected learners remain in school."
For more information about assistance that is available, people should call the department of social development helpline on 0800 601 011 or the department of education helpline on 0800 202 933.
Those seeking additional information about HIV/AIDS can call the AIDS helpline on 0800 012 322 or visit the website www.aidsinfo.co.za
The public can help also by donating school uniforms, stationery, food and books to their local schools. |
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