The school system is viewed, not only in its classic r ole as a vehicle for imparting knowledge, but also as a means for informing children about the dangers of HIV/AIDS, and empowering them to be able to respond effectively to the epidemic, and protect themselves from infection. So that the system may play this r ole, the challenges posed to it by HIV/AIDS must be consider ed. The most serious impact for Mozambique will be on the supply of trained teachers.

Since, in general, educators are respected people, or are among the few who have any formal academic education in the community, they will be called upon to interact not only with children and parents, but also with the surrounding communities to spread messages on how to pr event HIV infection, and of respect for HIV/AIDS patients. This increases the bur den of responsibility on them, particularly because they must also set an example of good social conduct in practice. The school will be an important centre for activities aimed at blocking the spread of the epidemic.