Vulnerability of Secondary School Students to HIV/AIDS: Implication for Social Studies Instruction

Abstract

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS among the youths who constitute about twenty five percent of the world population draws attention to the challenge ofaddressing the needs of secondary school students where a very large cluster of the youths could be found. This paper thus examines problems of youths who appear very vulnerable to HIV/AIDS because of the socio-emotional pressures attached to adolescence, a developmental stage characterized by identity crises. The paper submits that the Social Studies� teachers would play a very significant role in resolving the identity crises of secondary school students under their tutelage: if they carefully plan their classroom instructions to clarify the values held by their students. By this, it is hoped that the students will avoid HIV/AIDS risk-related practises, lead lives devoid of diseases and avoid injuries; and by that, live longer and achieve their life goals.