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Based in Harare, Angelina Lunga, a former high school teacher, is the EFAIDS Coordinator of the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA).

1. How difficult is to work in Zimbabwe nowadays?

Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a number of challenges of a socio-economic nature. Such challenges compromise the provision of quality education in the country. Teachers are demotivated. Morale is at its lowest ebb. However, ZIMTA leaders and members are very much dedicated to reinstalling quality education and combating HIV in Zimbabwe via the EFAIDS programme.

2. Can you briefly describe the EFAIDS Programme implemented in Zimbabwe?

The programme, which was initially limited to HIV and AIDS education, has expanded to include efforts towards Education for All. It is all very well us training teachers to educate on HIV/AIDS. However if the children are not in school to benefit from this learning, it will have no real impact. Training of school focal persons has been conducted in all the ten ZIMTA provinces. So far, about 2000 teachers have been trained on HIV and AIDS education. The union is also involved in advocacy activities, research, policy development and publicity/awareness raising, which are the other key working areas of the EFAIDS programme.

3. How do you commemorate World AIDS Day?

World AIDS day is commemorated in all the ZIMTA structures. At school, district, provincial and national levels, teachers and pupils join other AIDS service organisations and NGOs in the commemoration. Advocacy messages are given in public by teachers and learners for befitting the theme of the day. Next year for World AIDS Day, ZIMTA intends to implement the ‘One Hour on AIDS’ initiative so that a maximum number of teachers and school kids get talking about HIV and AIDS and how to protect themselves and those around them.