Recently, the
Minister for Education Joseph Mungai said that teachers will be supplied with
condoms, alongside other supplies such as chalks, to prevent HIV/AIDS among
teachers. Do you think this is a good idea?
NO. I dont think that supplying them with condoms will be of any help.
As far as I am concerned, I think the best idea is to convince or make teachers
understand the problem and change their behaviour. As a big number of teachers
are stationed in rural areas, I believe there are less temptations compared to
other civil servants. Supplying them with condoms will only arouse the urge to
be promiscuous and as a result, even those who were not interested in sex will
take an interest.
Mahingi Kitangili Educator.
NO. That is not the best solution. I am of the opinion that education and
sensitization on HIV/AIDS would be the proper solution. Let us make use of the
ABC principle; abstain, be faithful and use condoms. Teachers should be given
condoms as a last resort, so only if the Minister tells us that the other two [A
& B] have failed, then let them be given condoms. The way I see it, condoms
could be more destructive than protective.
Minza Baraka Preacher.
NO. Condoms are not the best solution, they are destructive
psychologically. For certain, if teachers are supplied with condoms they are not
given the conditions for using them. Suppose they turn to their female pupils,
what will happen? This could be very destructive as school children will be
confident of having safe sex with their teachers. Also, condoms are not 100 per
cent safe because most people do not use them properly.. Teachers will need to
be taught how to use them effectively. This will have cost implications.
Babu Mohamed Businessman.
NO. Condoms do not make a lasting solution. I think the best way is to
build the capacity of teachers spiritually and physically. Teachers should have
religious leaders to tell them to lead ethical lives as in the first place their
work needs devotion. Teachers are second to parents or guardians, hence being
equipped with such skills will be more beneficial. Automatically they will have
guidance and protection against the scourge. Secondly, educators should be
utilised to educate them on the pandemic. Teachers should not practice sex in
the name of using condoms but should be encouraged to shy away from it.
Elia Josephat Clergy.
Compiled by Timothy Kitundu.