The experiences of an HIV positive learner in a secondary school in KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

This study focused on how an HIV positive learner experiences her formal school. The purpose of this study was to understand and document the experiences of the HIV positive learner in the environment of the school. Her experiences in responding to the total school curriculum were recorded. The participant was an HIV positive learner from a secondary school in KwaDuguza. This study is a case study using qualitative methods of data collection. With the use of observation, interviews and document analyses, I was able to gather data on the HIV positive learner's experiences in school. The participant was observed in her school environment, she was interviewed and her academic and attendance records were analyzed. The data collected revealed that remaining in school for an HIV positive learner, who does not disclose her positive status to any one in the school environment, becomes increasingly difficult. The infected learner struggles to cope with the disease, the stigma attached to it and the demands of school. The findings of this study outlines the challenge for schools to cope with the increasing numbers of infected and affected learners. The study concludes with fresh insights gleaned, implications and recommendations for all stakeholders involved in the process of education.