Africa: Education and HIV

Fifteen million children, including 12.6 million in Africa alone, have lost one or both parents to Aids. Many countries have taken steps to ensure that Aids orphans attend school; but new research by ActionAid and Save the Children shows that school attendance by itself does little to improve children's chances. Children are affected by the epidemic in many different ways. Some have lost family members; some are themselves chronically ill. Some live in refugee camps; others fend for themselves on city streets. The problems that children face include poverty, psychological trauma and social stigma. The two charities suggest specific educational initiatives to support children in all these situations and more. They urge education ministries to institute flexible approaches, which address the individual child's situation and needs.