AIDS and Democratic Education in Uganda

Education remains the effective way of preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Drawing on a study of AIDS education in Uganda, data showed an exclusive curriculum characterised by denial of knowledge, marginalisation of young people (especially girls), lack of straight means for questioning the subject content, and the failure to inform. Possible pedagogies emerge to address the problem of the spread of AIDS in young people. This article discusses the AIDS pedagogy and democratic education in Ugandan schools by examining possibilities using three illustrations derived from action research: pupil participation in curriculum formulation, pupils setting the agenda for AIDS education delivery and individual choice of AIDS education. The realities of teenage sexuality were being addressed with positive responses to the AIDS curriculum. Action research offered the opportunity for a democratic pedagogy and learning--fundamental to young people's response to the AIDS curriculum and adoption of safer sexual practices.