An evaluation of the effectiveness of resilient educators (REDS) support programme among HIV and AIDS affected educators in Mpumalanga

Abstract

Resilient Educators Support Programme (REds) for HIV and AIDS affected educators was initiated by the University of North West in 2006 following a research project in 2005 that highlighted the need for a support programme that addresses the challenges of educators affected by HIV and AIDS, as existing support structures were found to be inadequate. REds is implemented in phases, and with each phase it is modified to meet the needs of a broader audience of educators. The first phase was implemented in the Gauteng Province in 2006. Recommendations made from this phase were used to modify it for phase two, that is, implementation in Mpumalanga Province and two additional provinces. The goal of the research project was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Resilient Educators Support Programme (REds) in empowering and supporting HIV and AIDS affected educators in Mpumalanga. Programme evaluation research was adopted, using the dominant-less dominant model of combining both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, with the quantitative approach being the dominant approach. The research design for the quantitative research approach was the quasi-experimental one group pre-test post-test design whilst the collective case study design was used for the qualitative research approach. Quantitative data was collected through a group administered standardized questionnaire, the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) and for qualitative data, a non-standardized questionnaire with drawings, semi-structured interviews, observation and field notes were used. Data was collected before and after the respondents were exposed to REds. The respondents, ten educators from Sozama High School in Middelburg, were recruited using non-probability volunteer sampling method. Additional qualitative data was collected from the five members of school management team using semi-structured interviews, after the respondents were exposed to REds. Although the quantitative empirical research findings showed no significant differences between the pre- and post-test data, it seems from the qualitative approach as if the respondents found the programme addressing their support needs as HIV and AIDS affected educators and they felt empowered with knowledge and skills that they lacked and thus making them resilient. Conclusions drawn from the qualitative research findings indicated that REds Support Programme was effective in meeting the support needs of HIV and AIDS affected educators in Mpumalanga. From a quantitative perspective, it is recommended that the reason/s for the non-significant test results from the standardized questionnaire be investigated. Copyright