Overview

Programme:	1
Key question:	How has the iThemba Lethu Programme affected HIV risk-taking behaviour among youth living in Cato Manor?
Start date:	01/11/2009
End date:	01/11/2008
Status:	Data analysis in course and dissemination activities initiated
Contact:	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Project outputs:
The project is still in the analysis phase; expected outputs include various dissemination documents and activities, short reports and at least two journal articles.

iThemba Lethu (isiZulu for ‘I have a destiny') is an HIV Prevention Programme that operates in schools in Cato Manor in Durban. The objective is to reduce HIV infection rates amongst young people in Cato Manor by reducing their risk-taking behaviour in general.

HEARD is working with researchers from the Universities of Toronto and York in Canada to conduct a retrospective evaluation of the Programme using quantitative and qualitative methods. A survey will evaluate differences between iThemba Lethu learners and controls in Cato Manor. Focus groups will provide in-depth insight into how learners and their parents and teachers perceive any changes with respect to HIV in their community.

The iThemba Lethu HIV Prevention Programme shows promise through its human development approach to prevention, its peer mentor model, and its long-term commitment to the children. Results of this evaluation will provide insight on whether this Programme and/or its components ought to be scaled up in South Africa and the region.

Project updates

Pending