FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING: CERTIFICATE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: HIV and AIDS SUPPORT

1. THERE IS A NEED TO ADDRESS HIV AND AIDS

Addressing the affliction of HIV / AIDS and its many associated problems is of high priority in self empowerment through continuing education. Individuals, families and communities need to know and understand the nature of the impact of HIV and AIDS and its related problems, particularly on vulnerable communities and how best to provide remedial action and support. Such understanding and action capability are the purpose of this qualification.

The AIDS pandemic is particularly apparent in South Africa. The HIV and AIDS prevalence in South Africa is estimated to be between 18-24%. Of all the deaths that occur in South Africa, half are from AIDS related causes. AIDS is the most commonly cited concern for South Africans – 85% of adult South Africans say they are concerned about AIDS. A national priority in South Africa is to address the many problems associated with HIV and AIDS which is prevalent amongst individuals, families, groups and communities.

Training is aimed at empowering health workers, both lay and professional, who find themselves in the frontline of interfacing with HIV and AIDS afflicted and often underresourced communities (Re: SAQA QUAL ID: 58396).

2. PART OF THE ANSWER LIES IN EDUCATION

3. ABOUT THE QUALIFICATION (SAQA QUAL ID: 58396)

3.1 PURPOSE OF THE QUALIFICATION

This qualification is intended, amongst others, for lay counsellors who will educate and counsel communities about the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Its purpose is to equip qualifying learners with:

• Knowledge and understanding of the communities within which those living with life-threatening conditions such as HIV and AIDS, find themselves confined and the ability to communicate with all members of these communities.
• Knowledge and understanding of the processes of adult learning and the ability to successfully communicate new information so that a change in behaviour is brought about.
• Knowledge of human behaviour and the ability to provide a means to achieve emotional and physical support for those in distress.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of personal and community sanitation and the ability to initiate improvements in this area.
• Knowledge and understanding of the cause and effect of life threatening conditions especially HIV and AIDS.
• The skills to work as a team member and as a provider of support services within a multidisciplinary health care system (Re: SAQA QUAL ID: 58396).

Qualifying learners will be able to inform, educate and counsel communities about the HIV and AIDS pandemic and related problems through a thorough knowledge and understanding of:

• the communities within which those living with HIV AND AIDS find themselves;
• how best to communicate with all members of those communities;
• adult learning processes in continuing education;
• how to communicate new information and understanding in order to bring about both necessary and beneficial changes in personal and community behaviour;
• human behaviour in achieving emotional and physical support for those in distress;
• the principles and practices of personal and community sanitation, with ability to initiate improvements in this area;
• causes and effects of life threatening conditions, with particular reference to HIV and AIDS.

3.2 ENTRY LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

According to the SAQA document (SAQA ID NO 58396) a learner must, at least possess a Grade 10 or equivalent certificate. However, we prefer that learners who are selected for this certificate should be in possession of a Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification.

3.3 EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES (ELO’s)

• Communicate with individuals and communication in a variety of ways
• Conduct community needs’ assessments
• Plan and facilitate community learning events
• Promote healthy living practices in the community (Re: SAQA QUAL ID: 58396)

3.4 LEARNING CONTENTS OF THE QUALIFICATION

The qualification consists of 155 credits. This is broken down into 30% theoretical and 70% practical experience.

The learning content consists of 6 modules:
 

 MODULAR MATRIX

MODULAR COMPILATION

4. HOW DOES THE TRAINING WORK?

4.1 TRAINING AND LEARNING CYCLE

This implementation period of this qualification is versatile within a 9 month or 12 month programme. Both these options are divided into 2 cycles that consist of a theoretical and a practical part. The duration of the theoretical sessions is 2 weeks at a time in both cases that is followed by practical sessions. In the case of the 9 months option, 9 – 11 weeks are allocated for practical workplace training and in the case of the 12 month option, 14 – 17 weeks.

During the period of practical training learners are guided by the mentors, while they function as employees in the workplace (Community Development Practitioners) and receive guidance from Community Development Professionals.

Assessment is done continuously. One of the many assessment instruments used, for example, is practical assignments. These assignments are performed on the basis of comprehensive guidelines that are provided. At the end of each theoretical session, a written examination is done. When learners are declared competent at the end of a year, a certificate is awarded.

Based on the CEFA core values of field leadership, human development through education and training, together with necessary knowledge equipment, each learner will be taught the skills needed to work as team members and as a provider of support services within a multidisciplinary
health care team.

LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT CYCLE

Briefly summarized the picture is as follows:

• The learning programme begins with a 1 day registration and orientation of the learners. During this time the mentors receive an introductory orientation.
• Learners and mentors are provided with a learner manual in which some frequently asked questions are addressed and a schedule of learning is provided to all concerned.
• Intensive mentor training then commence for a period of 2 days and is repeated twice during the course of the training, to update and further assist mentors in their roles.
• Approximately 25 working days per year are needed, during which the learners are assembled in central training venues to receive theoretical training - 3 modules are offered over a period of 10 working days.
• For the next 9 to 11 weeks (for the 9 month option) or 14 – 17 weeks (for the 12 month option) learners function as employees or volunteers of the workplace (Community Development Practitioners) in the office under the guidance of mentors (Community Development Professionals).
• Learners complete their practical and theoretical assignments during this period and submit them to the provider for assessment.
• Assessment is done continuously and a great variety of assessment tools are used throughout the training.
• After the 9 to 11 weeks or 14 – 17 weeks period the learners assemble for 3 days prior to commencement of the theoretical session, in order to write an examination on the completed modules.
• When a learner is declared competent, the module, which includes both the theoretical and practical sections, is regarded as completed.
• At the end of the 6 modules the learners are expected to do a structured interview (an oral examination) on a prescribed module, after which a final assessment is done.
• A portfolio which is kept by the provider is compiled for each and every learner.
• The portfolios are moderated and then verified by the relevant SETA.
• After the SETA has endorsed the competent learners, certificates are issued

4.2 WHAT THE SUPPORT SYSTEM ENTAILS?

During the period of practical training learners are guided by mentors, while they function as employees or volunteers in the workplace. Intensive mentor training is offered for a period of 2 days and repeated 2 times during the course of the training to update and further assist mentors in their role.

5. FINANCIAL MATTERS

Examples of budgets are available on request. Note however, that these budgets only serve as guidelines and as examples, and that they will be adapted specifically for each workplace and its needs.