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.