Browsing by Author "Tame-Gwaxula, Sindiswa Ruby"

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    HIV and AIDS vulnerabilities and support mechanisms to students. A qualitative study of Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges at Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan District: A case of two TVET colleges
    (University of Fort Hare, 2024) Tame-Gwaxula, Sindiswa Ruby; Linake, M.A.
    Given the high prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among students in tertiary Institutions, the study sought to investigate the availability and nature of HIV and AIDS support mechanisms in TEVT Colleges. The scope of the study was focused mainly on two TVET Colleges located in the Municipality Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan District (NMBMD). Thus, the study’s objectives included exploring how the unavailability of HIV and AIDS support mechanisms in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges leaves students vulnerable. In this phenomenological study, the researcher employed a qualitative approach, using focus group discussions and Face-to-face individual interviews to collect data. This study used Fineman’s theoretical framework as its theoretical foundation. The focus group discussion comprised eight students and the researcher conducted eight semistructured individual interviews with two Campus Managers, four TVET lecturers, two from the National Certificate Vocational (NCV) program and two from the National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED), separately, one DHET representative and one from ECDoH. The data collection process started in March 2022 and will continue until May 2022. Data analysis was conducted from May 2022 until August 2022. The study's findings revealed that students in the two TVET colleges are either affected or infected by HIV and AIDS. This exacerbates the vulnerabilities that the students are already exposed to, such as financial, poverty, mental health issues, and risky sexual behaviours, amongst others. However, there were no HIV and AIDS support mechanisms available to them. The study recommended that TVET colleges strengthen their Student Support Services (SSS) to ensure HIV and AIDS support to all students. TVET Colleges' HIV and AIDS programs must go beyond campus boundaries and into the surrounding communities.TVET Colleges have a massive role to play in developing communities by creating rapport with community leaders, local health institutions and other relevant stakeholders.