Activists welcome proposal to include AIDS in curriculum<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Two prominent activists came out yesterday in
\nfull support of the government's plan to include AIDS in the
\nschool curricula as part of its all-out combat against the lethal
\ncondition.<\/p>\n
Adhyatma of the Indonesian AIDS Foundation and Samsuridjal
\nDjauzi of the Pelita Ilmu Foundation on AIDS said the plan was
\nexpected to be useful in curbing the spread of Acquired Immune
\nDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).<\/p>\n
Adhyatma, who is a former health minister, said that according
\nto official data, more than 60 percent of people with AIDS are
\naged between 15 and 40.<\/p>\n
\"The data means that the students should be prepared and well-
\ninformed about the syndrome before they reach the age of 15,\"
\nAdhyatma told The Jakarta Post yesterday.<\/p>\n
\"I agree to introduce AIDS at schools, but teachers should
\ncarefully choose their teaching methods,\" he said.<\/p>\n
For instance, he said, informing the students about AIDS did
\nnot mean teaching them sexology.<\/p>\n
On the contrary, the students are taught about reproductive
\nhealth because AIDS is a condition which is related with the
\nreproductive system, he said.<\/p>\n
Besides AIDS, students should also be taught moral values and
\nethics, he said.<\/p>\n
According to the official figure, Indonesia has 438 reported
\nHIV\/AIDS cases. Observers believe the actual figure could be a
\nlot higher.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Education and Culture has announced it will
\nissue a decree on the plan to include AIDS in the curricula of
\nschools of all levels, from elementary schools to universities.<\/p>\n
In elementary schools, the introduction to AIDS will be given
\nto six graders, while in junior high schools, it will be
\nintegrated with sports and natural science subjects.<\/p>\n
Secretary-General Hasan Walinono of the ministry said the
\ndecree was needed so that schools and universities would no
\nlonger hesitate to discuss AIDS with their students.<\/p>\n
Adhyatma said there was nothing to worry about concerning the
\nplan to provide basic information about AIDS to elementary and
\njunior high school students.<\/p>\n
At 12, he argued, children begin to take interest in others of
\nthe opposite sex and they need objective information on AIDS.
\nThis would include, for instance, how it is transmitted from one
\nperson to another.<\/p>\n
\"Usually, if children do not get the information from their
\nparents, they will find out from their friends or anyone.
\nHowever, it could be incorrect information,\" Adhyatma said.<\/p>\n
Samsuridjal Djauzi, the medical advisor to the Pelita Ilmu
\nFoundation, noted that lessons about AIDS should be presented in
\nan interesting manner.<\/p>\n
He also suggested that the word \"AIDS\" should be introduced to
\nkindergarten pupils. \"It does not mean they have to be taught
\nabout AIDS, but just to make them familiar with the word,\"
\nSamsuridjal said.<\/p>\n
He said it was not too early to introduce the word to
\nkindergarten pupils. \"Now, children mature fast because they are
\nwell-nourished. If AIDS lessons begin at senior high schools or
\nuniversities, it will be too late,\" Samsuridjal said. (ste)<\/p>",
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