adminPost Correspondent
TEACHERS have been urged to stop perpetrating stigma and discrimination to HIV positive pupils as this is gross violation of children’s rights.
Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV, Manicaland field officer, Mrs Evelyn Chamisa, said this during a meeting hosted by National Aids Council on Tuesday.
Mrs Chamisa said teachers should be pillars of strength to students as they spent more time with them than the rest of the people surrounding them.
“The issue of HIV infection affection affects all households in one way or another.
“People are either infected or affected, thus no need to be discriminatory towards one another.
“Most of our children’s time is spent at school and that is at most with the teacher than the parent, therefore it is vital that the child/ teacher relationship be a non-discriminatory one,” she said.
She went on to explain that if an HIV positive pupil was discriminated, his/her performance level deteriorates, therefore making it a disadvantage to his education and future as their education is vital for their future.
“Children need care as they are tomorrow leaders and for a person to be well both mentally and physically, they should be surrounded by supportive and empowering people.
“Because children spent most of their time with teachers, there is need for support and empowerment from the teachers,” said Mrs Chamisa.
She later gave an example of a school in Mutasa district, Nyamukwarara Primary School where a child’s performance deteriorated from incessant scolding from the teacher concerning her HIV status.
According to Mrs Chamisa, scolding children because of their status was a violation of their rights and also an offence.
Speaking at the same gathering, National Aids Council representative, Mr Sibert Hlatswayo, said there was need for leaders especially teachers to stop discrimination of children living with the HIV virus.
“There is need to engage all leaders, teachers, traditional, religious and even opinion leaders and that the discrimination be stopped since we need a brighter future for our children.
This is because most of these leaders, especially teachers have suddenly become the leading perpetrators of stigma,” he said.
Online Reporter