Activists welcome proposal to include AIDS in curriculum
JAKARTA (JP): Two prominent activists came out yesterday in full support of the government's plan to include AIDS in the school curricula as part of its all-out combat against the lethal condition.
Adhyatma of the Indonesian AIDS Foundation and Samsuridjal Djauzi of the Pelita Ilmu Foundation on AIDS said the plan was expected to be useful in curbing the spread of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Adhyatma, who is a former health minister, said that according to official data, more than 60 percent of people with AIDS are aged between 15 and 40.
"The data means that the students should be prepared and well- informed about the syndrome before they reach the age of 15," Adhyatma told The Jakarta Post yesterday.
"I agree to introduce AIDS at schools, but teachers should carefully choose their teaching methods," he said.
For instance, he said, informing the students about AIDS did not mean teaching them sexology.
On the contrary, the students are taught about reproductive health because AIDS is a condition which is related with the reproductive system, he said.
Besides AIDS, students should also be taught moral values and ethics, he said.
According to the official figure, Indonesia has 438 reported HIV/AIDS cases. Observers believe the actual figure could be a lot higher.
The Ministry of Education and Culture has announced it will issue a decree on the plan to include AIDS in the curricula of schools of all levels, from elementary schools to universities.
In elementary schools, the introduction to AIDS will be given to six graders, while in junior high schools, it will be integrated with sports and natural science subjects.
Secretary-General Hasan Walinono of the ministry said the decree was needed so that schools and universities would no longer hesitate to discuss AIDS with their students.
Adhyatma said there was nothing to worry about concerning the plan to provide basic information about AIDS to elementary and junior high school students.
At 12, he argued, children begin to take interest in others of the opposite sex and they need objective information on AIDS. This would include, for instance, how it is transmitted from one person to another.
"Usually, if children do not get the information from their parents, they will find out from their friends or anyone. However, it could be incorrect information," Adhyatma said.
Samsuridjal Djauzi, the medical advisor to the Pelita Ilmu Foundation, noted that lessons about AIDS should be presented in an interesting manner.
He also suggested that the word "AIDS" should be introduced to kindergarten pupils. "It does not mean they have to be taught about AIDS, but just to make them familiar with the word," Samsuridjal said.
He said it was not too early to introduce the word to kindergarten pupils. "Now, children mature fast because they are well-nourished. If AIDS lessons begin at senior high schools or universities, it will be too late," Samsuridjal said. (ste)