Local school observes aids day
"We encourage educators not to discriminate one another on the basis of HIV status.
Thembinkosi Special School observed HIV/AIDS awareness day on friday November 27.
The school which is based in Tembisa North invited people from the department of education, health and safety department and Government Employee Medical scheme (GEMS).
Sister Johanna Mogotlane said the purpose of the event was to provide learners with information regarding HIV/ AIDS. She said the school invited stake holder which health promoters to educate on the mode of transmission, prevention, what to do when infected and dealing with stigma.
Wellness was done, voluntary counseling and testing and everyone was encouraged to know their status.
“We are going towards world AIDS day and we know that HIV is a problem. So we saw a need of service accessibility to the school’s employees; a need for continuous learning on HIV/AIDS to the learners”, she said. Simon Morake, the school’s general assistance, said he is very happy that the management brought the services to the school. “I am always at work.
I hadly find time to go to a clinic and stand in those long ques”, said Mr Morake. he there are many illnesses and it important that one knows their health in general. A visiting nurse, Ngwatle Ditlaleng Sadie, said if one doesn’t do regular check ups they are putting their lives in danger. She said a high blood pressure could cause strokes or heart attacks.
“Diabetic people could get stroke if their sugar levels are high and if they are too low a person could faint or die if they donnot get help”, she said. She said cholestrol is a silent killer too. She advised people to cut on fatty foods, to drink more water and exercise. “it is important to know and control your Body Mass Index”, she said. “Avoid obisity as it is a major cause of disease”.
Mandla Magaza from Ekurhuleni AIDS unit said as a department they were there to support the school.
“We encourage educators not to discriminate one another on the basis of HIV status. “If you are positive, do the right thing and take treatment”, he said.
The schools principal, Mrs Tselahale Sathekga, said she was very impressed with Mr Magaza’s presantation.
“Mr Magaza came down to the level of learners and also advised educators handle the infected or affected”, said principal Sathekga.
“Everything went well and the guests we invited did honour our invitation. The whole staff benefited and want to thank the principal, SGB, parents and our guests”, said the coordinator Mrs Sibongile Nokonongo.
