Abstract

his study assessed the policies, strategic plans and structures that have been put in place in Zimbabwe to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the education sector. It also examined the comprehensiveness of projects and programmes currently being implemented by the government in collaboration with partner organisations and NGOs. The findings show that the epidemic has had a very adverse impact on the education sector. They also reveal that policies and strategies put in place in this sector have sound and clear aims and objectives particularly in preventing and mitigating the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Zimbabwe has reduced the prevalence of HIV/AIDS from over 30 per cent to less than 25 per cent. However, there are a number of challenges in the implementation of HIV/AIDS projects and programmes which include, among others: lack of capacity in terms of skills, human and financial resources, lack of proper monitoring and follow up partly due to inadequate staff and transport. Moreover, the prevailing political climate in Zimbabwe has led to some donors withholding funding which is essential for the implementation of current and future programmes to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the education sector.

Key Words: policies and strategic plans, programmes and projects, assessment, prevalence, prevention, mitigating impact, implementation, funding, Education Sector, Zimbabwe