We are all affected: considering the recovery of HIV/AIDS infected and affected children

Abstract

This essay acknowledges that the HIV/AIDS pandemic has created entire communities for whom loss has become a common and a shared experience. As a result of this impact of HIV/AIDS, several questions surface. However, the one question upon which this essay focuses is, ‘What type of environment is required for children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS?’ More specifically, ‘What context can be created by educators and concerned adults for children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in order to help them recover a glimmer of wholeness and sense of connection again?’ Drawing on eight years of involvement with educator colleagues in several African countries, the article suggests one avenue through which recovery can be encouraged: by giving attention to the environment which teachers and other concerned adults can provide. Such an environment must work against ignorance, stigma and isolation.

Keywords:

• HIV/AIDS
• Africa
• recovery
• classroom environment