Learn about healthy living

The Media in Education Trust MiET is one of the leading non-governmental organisations in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) in the area of education. It was established in 1992, first as a unit of the Education Foundation, then became an NGO in 1996. MiET develops education supplements materials, distributes them to schools in the disadvantaged communities, and trains educators in the use of the materials. MiET has broadened its initial focus on print media education to facilitating the use of a wider range of media and resources. Its niche is at the interaction between learning and resources. MiET's overall goal contributes to the creation of a positive teaching and learning environment in disadvantaged schools in KZN and the Eastern Cape (EC). This is provided through appropriate and context-sensitive teaching and learning materials, as well as training programmes that promote healthy living and help schools communities to combat and live with HIV/AIDS.

Specific objectives of the "Learn About Healthy Living" (HIV/AIDS) project are:

• to work jointly with the departments of Education (KZN & EC) towards broadening responsibility for the prevention of HIV/AIDS in the education sector;
• to reduce the number of new HIV infections and impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals, families and communities in the two provinces;
• to provide educators with mechanisms of improving care and support for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as reducing stigmatisation within communities.

Target Group: The project aims to enhance capacities of 120 cluster schools, to reach teacher and learners from about 6000 schools in KZN and 60 in Eastern Cape. The project also involves departmental officials and community members in both provinces.

Activities and Expected Results: The "Learn about healthy living" HIV/AIDS project will be integrated into Resources and the Information Network (RAIN), the department of Education's model for effective distribution, and use of education materials in schools. Educators from KZN and Eastern Cape will be involved in developing materials focusing on HIV/AIDS and health related issues that surface in schools. These materials will published in newspaper education supplements that will be distributed through RAIN networks. About 13'200 copies will be distributed to teachers and their learners in KZN and the Eastern Cape. Community members will also be involved in the project.

SDC's partnership with MiET started in 2000 when MiET became the managing agent of the SDC funded Whole School Development project in the Eastern Cape.