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Know your rights Stay in school Say No to sex Sex Education for primary schools

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I feel good. I am not having sex. Musa

Kyagulanyi St Mugaga PS, Luwero.

Vol 14 No 4 May/June 2011

HIV has been here for over 30 years and it is still with us. HIV has no cure. But you can avoid it. We asked young talkers what they know about HIV. Here are some of their stories. Kintu Julius, Gods Hope PS, Nakaseke says: HIV is caused by a virus and it cannot be seen by our naked eye. It can also kill you very fast if you do not take medicine. Abdu Shakir, 11, Ggavu PS, Nakaseke, says: You can get HIV through accidents, when your blood mixes with that of an infected person. When you share a sharp instrument with an infected person, you may also get HIV.

What is HIV/AIDS?
Bogere Stanley, 15, Kakooge COU PS, Nakasongola says: HIV is transmitted through sex. You can avoid it by not having sex. HIV can cause unhappiness and worries in a family when you have a relative who is sick. Mary Nalwanga, Mityebiri PS Luwero, says: I know HIV kills. It is got through having sex without a condom with an infected person. However, some children are born with it. Grace says: I was born with HIV. But this has not stopped me from going to school and working hard to achieve my dream of becoming a lawyer.

Paul Kyegera, Lutete PS, Luwero says: HIV is a very bad disease. It can make you feel bad. It can make people talk bad about you.

Every year more than 25,000 children are born with HIV. They are our friends, sisters and brothers. Do not isolate them. Be good to them.

HIV ATTACKS WHITE BLOOD CELLS

is very small HIV virusHIVaattacks the germ. When it enters the body, white blood cells.
The work of white blood cells is to protect our bodies against diseases. But HIV is stronger than the white blood cells. HIV destroys the white blood cells in the body. This weakens the bodys ability to fight diseases. Later, the person with HIV starts to suffer different diseases. A collection of these diseases is called AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. A person with HIV may look healthy for about 10 years and can infect others. Only an HIV test can detect the virus in your body.

Our star school is Lira Police PS, they sent over 100 letters to Young Talk. They win a football and netball.

HIV is a virus. AIDS is a collection of disease and infections caused by HIV. You can have HIV but not have AIDS. HIV infection develops into AIDS with time if someone does not get treatment. Dr Semugoma P, IHK

Difference between HIV and AIDS

Questions about HIV/AIDs

you write in Many ofare some ofabout asking questions HIV. Here your questions. How is HIV spread? Ashaba Nancy, Kitoro PS, Wakiso HIV is spread through unprotected sex with an infected person. From infected mother to baby, during pregnancy, at birth, or through breast milk. Sex is the main way through which HIV is transmitted. Most of people get HIV through sex. Some children get HIV from their mothers during pregnancy, delivery and breast feeding. But if a pregnant mother test for HIV, she can get medicine to protect the baby from infection. Sharing sharp instruments with an infected person can transmit HIV. Avoid sharing sharp instruments. There are no special signs just for HIV. The only way to know that one has HIV is to test. the signs of HIV? What are Robert, Super PS, Waswa Bundibugyo get HIV by Can oneMuganzisomeone sitting next to with HIV? Paddy, But when HIV turns into AIDS, a person may get diseases or signs like cough, skin rash, mouth sores, herpes zoster (Kisipi), diarrhoea and sweating a lot at night. Little Stars PS, Bushenyi No! You cannot get HIV by sitting near a person with HIV. You can get HIV by having sex with an infected person, sharing sharp objects. Delay sex and stay in school.

2 .Young Talk, May - June 2011

You cannot get HIV by:

Sitting close to people with HIV Sharing same comb, cup, plate and toilet seat. Shaking hands

Remember:

Not everyone with these signs has AIDS. Even people without AIDS may get these diseases or signs.
an you get HIV if you wash your penis after having sex. Juuko Kalim, Lugazi PS Yes you can get HIV. As long as you have sex with an HIV infected person you can get HIV. Wait to have sex to avoid early fatherhood, HIV and STDs.

it that Isyou truepersonwhencan get wash clothes of an infected you HIV? Asimwe Betty,14, Mpanga PS, Kamwenge It is not true. You cannot get HIV by washing clothes of an infected person, if you do not have a cut on your body.

But if the clothes contain blood and stool, use gloves or tie kavera on your hands while washing such clothes.

Messages Key
mH y safe fro Sta IV!

ALCOHOL ABUSE IS DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH. Nansamba F. and asingula P. Tuly of Namasujju PS, Nakaseke

o EX NO tast S . Say te at le P7

Pupils , of Midland PS Nakasongola take time off to relax

Be creative

Comple er the age of Marry aft dies. d after stu p, 18 an ow u en you gr ith your Wh her w test toget u are living yo partner. If sex to say no to pes with HIV, g other ty tin avoid get of HIV

be exciting. You can make Playing games like snakes and ladders can snakes and your own dice for playing games such as Luteete ladders and ludo. Pupils of Katuugo and PS are creative. They They make their own dice from soap and clay. some schools use charcoal to indicate the numbers. In the children make charcoal stoves. They sell it to parents. Always, creative always.

Make your own dice

3 Young Talk, May-June 2011.

ary 14, is living with HIV. She takes her medicine everyday at the right time and sleeps under a treated mosquito net. The medicines are called ARVs. They help her live a longer and healtheir life. Mary adds: Whenever I fall sick, I go to the health centre for treatment. I drink clean boiled water, and eat nutritious food everyday like vegetables, fruits to give me vitamins.

Mary is living with HIV M

Living with HIV is not the end of the world. You can live a healthier and longer life like Mary if you follow the doctors advice.

When HIV gets into the body, it does not get out
Protect yourself against HIV. Once HIV gets into your body, it cannot get out. Galiwango Kenneth, Mityebiri PS, Luwero says: We can avoid HIV by abstaining from sex and not using bare hands to help those who have been involved in an accident. Kamanzi Emma, Timuna PS, Nakaseke says: HIV can be avoided by not kissing with an infected person because you may have wounds when you both do not know. Avoid bad friends who may mislead you to have sex.

I eat foods that build my body like beans and other foods that give me energy like sweet potatoes, rice and millet bread. I do light exercise to keep my body fit.

Pupils of Kakooge Umea PS, Nakasongola say: We are friends but not having sex.

Dear teachers
Help your pupils to read Young Talk
When you receive copies Give to P5, P6 and P7 pupils Ask these pupils to form groups. Give a copy to each group. Let them read and ask questions. Treat each question as important. Encourage them to write to Young Talk. Some teachers are already using Young Talk and other materials to help their pupils stay safe. We use PIASCY to teach about HIV. We teach

children that HIV is a problem that affects everyone. So they live with people living with HIV without fear, and they also respect each other. Teachers are also assigned at least two HIV positive children to take care of in school making sure that their life is fine. Serebe Saul, Luteete Mixed PS, Luwero.

Have r ? en HIV readethes se by

HIV readers are books sent schools. Ministry of Education to all stories The books have interesting out HIV. that help pupils to learn ab of the Write and tell us the name was the book you have read. What learn? story about? What did you

Quiyz u ever o

KNOW YOUR BODY

PUBIC HAIR
My friends have pubic hair yet I do not have. I am worried. Asema Grace, 14, Yana PS, Hoima
Grace, do not get worried. Everyone develops pubic hair at a different time. For some people it develops early and for others it grows at a later stage. You are just 14. It will grow. Magomu

Best answers win bags and sets. Write to Young Talk, PO BOX 22366, Kampala

Stella, Centre for Transforming Generation

3 Young Talk, May-June 2011.

ary 14, is living with HIV. She takes her medicine everyday at the right time and sleeps under a treated mosquito net. The medicines are called ARVs. They help her live a longer and healtheir life. Mary adds: Whenever I fall sick, I go to the health centre for treatment. I drink clean boiled water, and eat nutritious food everyday like vegetables, fruits to give me vitamins.

Mary is living with HIV M

Living with HIV is not the end of the world. You can live a healthier and longer life like Mary if you follow the doctors advice.

When HIV gets into the body, it does not get out
Protect yourself against HIV. Once HIV gets into your body, it cannot get out. Galiwango Kenneth, Mityebiri PS, Luwero says: We can avoid HIV by abstaining from sex and not using bare hands to help those who have been involved in an accident. Kamanzi Emma, Timuna PS, Nakaseke says: HIV can be avoided by not kissing with an infected person because you may have wounds when you both do not know. Avoid bad friends who may mislead you to have sex.

I eat foods that build my body like beans and other foods that give me energy like sweet potatoes, rice and millet bread. I do light exercise to keep my body fit.

Pupils of Kakooge Umea PS, Nakasongola say: We are friends but not having sex.

Dear teachers
Help your pupils to read Young Talk
When you receive copies Give to P5, P6 and P7 pupils Ask these pupils to form groups. Give a copy to each group. Let them read and ask questions. Treat each question as important. Encourage them to write to Young Talk. Some teachers are already using Young Talk and other materials to help their pupils stay safe. We use PIASCY to teach about HIV. We teach

children that HIV is a problem that affects everyone. So they live with people living with HIV without fear, and they also respect each other. Teachers are also assigned at least two HIV positive children to take care of in school making sure that their life is fine. Serebe Saul, Luteete Mixed PS, Luwero.

Have r ? en HIV readethes se by

HIV readers are books sent schools. Ministry of Education to all stories The books have interesting out HIV. that help pupils to learn ab of the Write and tell us the name was the book you have read. What learn? story about? What did you

Quiyz u ever o

KNOW YOUR BODY

PUBIC HAIR
My friends have pubic hair yet I do not have. I am worried. Asema Grace, 14, Yana PS, Hoima
Grace, do not get worried. Everyone develops pubic hair at a different time. For some people it develops early and for others it grows at a later stage. You are just 14. It will grow. Magomu

Best answers win bags and sets. Write to Young Talk, PO BOX 22366, Kampala

Stella, Centre for Transforming Generation

Young Talk, May - June 2011

Dear Young Talk

P.O.Box 22366 Kampala

No, it is not true. Sex has got nothing to do with breasts growing big. Hormones cause breasts to grow big. Do not have sex and stay safe. And by the way all breast sizes, big or small are good and normal. I have small wounds on my body which itch a lot. What could that be? Apio Sarah, Kiboga Progressive

I get sexual feelings but I fear getting pregnant? Harriet Nawera, Rukungiri Modern PS Dont worry about getting pregnant. Pregnancy only happens when you have sex. Sexual feelings are not sex and dont mean you should have sex. Wait to have sex. Sexual feelings cannot hurt you. You dont need to do anything or have sex for sexual feelings to go. Sexual feelings can go on their own. Concentrate on your studies. Is it true that shaving off your pubic hair can cause pimples? Munduru Grace, Arua Public PS If you damage the skin under the pubic hair while shaving, you may get swellings which look like pimples. Use a short pair of scissors to shave. Avoid using a razor blade as this may cause swellings. Is it true that if you keep your virginity your bones can become very hard? Kizza Mable, St Martin PS, Kampala It is not true. Nothing will happen to your bones. Virginity is very healthy. It protects you from very many dangers like unwanted pregnancy and HIV/STDs. It is valued and it earns you respect.

WE ARE PROUD TO BE IN SCHOOL. Listen attentively to your teachers and ask questions if you dont understand. Pupils of Kikondo PS, Kiboga

PS Sorry about that. Those wounds could be caused by a disease. Go to the nearest health centre for a medical check up. You will get treatment.

Can two married men have children? Masaba Ben, Elgon PS, Mbale No, a man can not produce with a man. For a baby to be produced, the womans egg must meet with the sperm of a man. The sperm fertilizes the eggs of a woman. When this happens the woman will get pregnant.

WE ARE SAYING NO TO BAD TOUCHES. If anyone touches you on your private parts, report them to an adult. Pupils of Agape Christian PS, Mubende
There is a boy who wants to have sex with my friend. What can I tell my friend? Nakasi Miriam, 14, St Andrew PS, Luwero Advise your friend to say no to that boy. She should avoid being near him. If the boy insists, report him to your parents, his parents or a teacher. Early sex can cause early pregnancy, HIV and STDs. It is a crime that can lead to imprisonment. Is it true that if you have sex your breasts can grow big? Natukwasa,Yana PS, Hoima

Counsellors: Dr semugoma P, Stella Magomu and Uniah Nabayiiki

My father is forcing me to get married. I still want to study. What can I do? KS,

ADVISE KS
Rubuguri PS, Kisoro

Advice to AS
In March 2011, we asked you to advise AS from Birimbe Model PS, Bushenyi: My fathers friend is asking me for sex. When my parents send me to his home, he forces me into sex. What can I do?
you We received over 80 letters from you advising AS. Thank for the good advice. let Rukundu Alex, Maaya PS, Mubende, says: Do not Report him to your parents. They will him have sex with you. find the best solution. the Joy Joshua, Kisuule PS, Kampala, says: Report to . Do not waste time police with that man he will harm you. Apio Imelda. Lira PS, says: Talk to a trusted adult, if you keep quiet this man may rape you and infect you. Muno Grace, Nakasongola Parents PS, says: Refuse whatever he tells you. Tell your parents about it.

SCIENCE CORNER
Do virgin girls also get candida? Asea Cissy, Loduruga Girls PS, Yumbe
Every person including virgins have candida in the body. Candida is a fungus that causes candidiasis. It is found in the mouth, urethra, and genital areas. Weak body immune system, diabetes, over use of antibiotics, wearing tight clothing and nylon panties for a long time and poor hygiene make candida active in the body causing candidiasis. In girls, candidiasis causes itching and a white thick discharge in the genital area. Boys get sticky discharge under the foreskin of the penis or redness on the penis. Some girls get candidiasis before and after menstruation. Dr J Opolot, Atutur hospital, Kumi
Publisher: Straight

QUIZ
Do you like sports. Tell us the sports you do. What do you like about sports? What have you achieved from doing sports?

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Talk Foundation 4 Acacia Avenue, Kololo, PO Box 22366, Kampala, Tel: 031-262030/1, E-mail: [email protected], President: C Watson Executive Director: S Ajok Print Director: T Agutu, Editorial Manager: M Akello, Editors: J Abongowath, P Kiwuuwa, F Ouma, J Nafula, Chief Designer: M Kalanzi, Designers: GB Mukasa, Allan B Dentine ,G. Turibamwe Funded by Civil Society Fund