Finger, William

Worldwide, nearly 10 percent of people are ages 10 to 14, and in developing countries, the percentage is often higher (e.g., Uganda, 16 percent).1 Early adolescence marks a critical time of physical, developmental, and social changes.

This project has provided technical assistance to 12 faith-based organizations to help them develop HIV prevention strategies for youth.

The Youth Participation Guide seeks to increase the level of meaningful youth participation in reproductive health (RH) and HIV/AIDS programming at an institutional and programmatic level.

Review of evaluated programs shows well-designed programs work, but implementation issues remain challenging. Recent research has confirmed and expanded earlier findings concerning the positive impacts of reproductive health (RH) and HIV education programs.

This paper first introduces the key issues regarding orphaned and vulnerable adolescents in the time of HIV/AIDS, including the developmental needs specific to adolescents. The second chapter summarizes the limited studies and programs working primarily with adolescents orphaned due to AIDS.

Youth who do not attend school or who drop out prematurely miss many of the fundamentals of basic education - reading and writing skills, mathematics, and science.

Teacher training in any subject is important. For teaching information and skills related to reproductive health (RH) and HIV/AIDS, teacher training is even more essential - and complex.