The Roots of REds: a Rationale for the Support of Educators Affected by the HIV and AIDS Pandemic

ABSTRACT

The nature of educators' work has changed dramatically; in part because of the challenges of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Despite these multiple and relentless challenges which educators contend with; and despite numerous calls for educator empowerment to cope with HIV -related challenges; little has been done up until now to support educators. By reviewing current literature; this article outlines the HIV-altered professional reality of South African educators and makes the argument that affected educators need support to cope. In conclusion; the support programme; Resilient Educators (REds); is introduced as one possible means of educator support