HIV has the potential to make growing up even tougher than it is already. Even when a young person is motivated to do well, the direct or indirect effects that HIV has on families mean that young people’s educational achievement can be held back. Both HIV positive and affected young people often find themselves missing more school than their peers and often have increased responsibilities within the family. A multitude of factors should mean they get the specialist support they deserve from their school so they have the chance to overcome these obstacles. In reality the opposite is often true.
The stigma that still surrounds HIV means that often families choose not to disclose information about HIV and the real needs of the child remain unrecognised. Body & Soul has helped support families to ensure that the children and young people don’t suffer as a result, by the provision of specialist educational support and the provision of a wide range of programmes that
promote positive self-identity and self esteem. Young people here have every chance to build the resilience that has taken many of them to university and achieve many other goals they set out to reach.
However, learning to manage within the school system is vital too. Body & Soul can help in a variety of ways.
Secondary Transfer
Getting the right school for your child can feel like a monumental decision. HIV seems to stack up the odds against any young person when it comes to achieving their potential and so this decision can seem even more crucial. With many families not feeling that they can disclose about HIV safely, it is so important that you don’t fall foul of the system in making sure they get a school to suit them.
As your child reaches the end of Year 5 at primary school, the school should be providing advice on how to go about applying for the secondary school of your choice. The system for applying can be quite complex so always ask questions and be clear that you understand what is required.
Making the right choice
There are so many issues to consider when deciding on which school is best for your child. At Body & Soul we have a great deal of experience in supporting families through the process. In recent years we have been able to help families identify the right schools for them, and where necessary put them in touch with other parents/agencies who understand the process.
If your child also has the added challenge of HIV, this is all the more important. Our advice is to always seek guidance from your school or Body & Soul. The
secondary transfer system is renowned for not always being fair, but even in the worst case scenario we have been successful in appealing decisions. The golden rule is to make sure you have done everything possible before you reach this stage.
