By Lindsey Coulter
Editorial Intern

"Education is the best defense we can give our young people against AIDS," says Sal Guccione, assistant superintendent in the Office of Catholic Schools.

This reality is the motivation for a new AIDS curriculum within the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools entitled, ”Awareness, Prevention, Compassion: An HIV/AIDS Curriculum Guide for Catholic Schools.’"

“We hope to generate awareness and understanding of the HIV/AIDS virus,” explained Guccione, “while at the same time give students the most accurate medical information.”

The new program is a revision of a 1980s document, “ A Christian Response: AIDS Curriculum.” That curriculum was designed to inform students about the first reported cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, but also to foster compassion and understanding towards persons suffering from the disease.

According to Guccione, the new curriculum aims higher. “ We hope that all students have the necessary information to keep them safe, happy and healthy as they grow into adulthood,” he said.

Judging by the statistics incorporated into the new curriculum these concerns and precautions are not unfounded.

Currently, an estimated 42 million people worldwide (3.2 million of them children) are infected with the fatal disease. In 2002 alone, more than 5 million new AIDS cases were reported worldwide. This equals about 14,000 new cases every day.

Of this number, 6,000 are between the ages of 15 and 24. In addition the AIDS virus has left more than 14 million children under the age of 15 without a mother and/or father and this number increases annually.

Statistics prove the outlook of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is not favorable, and more and more people will continue to be diagnosed daily unless steps are taken to prevent and educate future generations.

“This new curriculum aspires to have a very positive and lasting affect on students of all ages,” said Guccione. “We hope students will take the knowledge and information they receive in the classroom and use it to make responsible life decisions.”

Organizers hope to integrate the new curriculum into regular health and human sexuality classes starting in the 2003-2004 school year in all elementary and secondary Archdiocesan schools.

The curriculum itself offers statistics, information, ideas and activities for teachers to engage their students in learning and discussion. Guccione explained that educators will also be provided with other helpful resources to guide their students in learning about and understanding the HIV/AIDS virus.

Here are some ways "Awareness, Prevention, Compassion: An HIV/AIDS Curriculum Guide for Catholic Schools" will be introduced to students at different grade levels:

Kindergarten Students
Through this new curriculum even kindergarten students will begin to learn about healthy lifestyles. The program is designed to follow the student growth with new information, approaches and perspectives being integrated according to grade and maturity levels.

Beginning in kindergarten, students will learn the basics of taking care of their own bodies and about respecting others. Learning about germs, cleanliness and reverence for God's creation will hopefully encourage these younger students to build strong foundations for healthy lifestyles and help them to be more open to the curriculum teachings as they mature.

Junior High Students
At the upper elementary level, appreciation for all forms of life and recognition of Jesus' example will be the main focus. Rather than focusing solely on personal health, junior high students will take a slightly more in-depth look at the disease itself, including some basic concepts, implications and common misconceptions. To help avoid stereotypes and dispel misconceptions, teachers will concentrate on ways in which the disease can and cannot be transmitted and introduce skills for handling negative peer pressure.

To integrate Catholic moral teaching into the curriculum students will study Scripture passages referring to Jesus' healing powers and his great compassion. They will also be engaged in open discussion about the disease and how it relates to their own lives.

High School Students
Although it is vital to educate students on all levels of the dangers of HIV/AIDS, students on the high school level are often most in need of this information.

About half of all new HIV infections occur among persons between the ages of 13 and 24, and most are related to drug use and sexual activity. High school students will be challenged to put their evaluation skills to work by examining negative media messages, especially those relating to sexuality that conflict with Catholic values.

In addition, the students will study the global dimensions and implications of the disease, design personal strategies for healthy living and take a comprehensive look at what living with HIV/AIDS would truly be like.

High school students also will become active learners by studying AIDS-related organizations, by identifying negative messages in all types of media and by conducting research projects to educate themselves on the subject of HIV/AIDS.

Other important components of the program will include an examination of the difference between love and infatuation in hopes that students will make educated decisions in relationships, and a focus on the many spiritual, emotional and physical advantages of abstinence. Substance abuse will also be a topic of discussion and study because many new infections are reported to be the direct result of illegal drug use and the sharing of injection needles.

The Moral Teachings of the Catholic Church
Throughout the development of the new curriculum, the Archdiocese has taken care to ensure that all materials support the moral teachings of the Catholic Church. Francis Cardinal George O.M.I., archbishop of Chicago, and several other local church officials have reviewed the new curriculum and are supportive of the initiative.