South Africa Learner Survey 2009

Hope Educational Foundation
iMatter Learner Survey
Pre and Post Outcomes Research

With Test and Comparison Groups
South Africa
December 2009
iMatter Learner Survey, S. Africa
KEY RESEARCH CONCLUSIONS
The following conclusions are based on an analysis of the research findings of the pre and post
training surveys that were conducted among iMatter learners and a comparison group (see
Research Methodology, first paragraph).
1. Abstinence Message. Overall, the majority of children in both groups feel sure they can say
no to sex before marriage, they are likely to wait until marriage to have sex, and likely to tell
others to wait until marriage to have sex (although the latter was stronger among the iMatter
group). In the post sample, significantly more of the iMatter group (70%) said they would tell
others to wait until marriage to have sex than the comparison group (62%). The percent was even
higher among 6th graders: 76% in the iMatter group vs. 62% in the comparison group. Among
6th graders in the post sample, significantly more of the iMatter group said they agreed (75%)
with the statement: “I feel sure that I can say no to sex before I am married” than the comparison
group (61%).
2. Be Faithful Message. The majority of children in both groups (71% and 74%) agreed that
they could stay faithful in marriage, although the comparison group was stronger on this issue. In
regard to risky behaviors, there is a lack of agreement among a substantial number of children in
both groups about how various risky behaviors can impact their chances of contracting HIV,
although the iMatter group showed improvement in their understanding about some of these
behaviors from the pre to the post sample.
Specifically, the iMatter group showed significant improvement in their understanding, from the
pre sample to the post sample, about three behaviors: “Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are
higher if you go to the city to earn money as a prostitute;” “Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS
are higher if you are paid to have sex with someone” and “Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are
higher if you are pressured by someone to have sex.” For each statement, significantly more of
the iMatter group strongly agreed in the post sample than in the pre sample. Furthermore, in the
post sample, significantly more of the comparison group (15%) strongly disagreed with the
statement “Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you have sex with adults who are
much older” than the iMatter group (9%).
However, ssignificantly more of the comparison group (47%) strongly agreed with the statement
“When I get married, I feel sure that I will be able to be stay with my husband or wife and not
have other boyfriends or girlfriends” than the iMatter group (37%). Also, in the post sample,
significantly fewer of the comparison group (16%) disagreed with this statement than the iMatter
group (23%), and overall the comparison group had a significantly higher average mean
agreement rating (4.0) than the iMatter group (3.8) for this statement. In addition, in the post
sample, significantly more of the comparison group (29%) strongly agreed with the statement
“Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you have sex to get gifts” than the iMatter
group (18%).
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3. In the post sample, the comparison group indicated a higher frequency of behaviors (holding
hands and kissing their boyfriends/girlfriends), which may be precursors to HIV risky behavior,
than the iMatter group.
4. Social connectedness is a protective factor against engaging in risky behaviors. The majority
of children in both groups indicated they have good social connections. However, iMatter
learners showed significant improvement on three of the variables from the pre sample to the post
sample. These variables were: “I want to go to school most days;” “I often spend time with my
friends;” and the likelihood of telling their friends when they feel bad. Also, significantly more
of the iMatter learners (78%) said they would tell a friend when they feel bad than the
comparison group (69%).
5. About one-half or more of the learners in both groups are afraid of getting HIV & AIDS, and
at least one-fourth feel powerless in their fight against HIV & AIDS. In the post sample,
significantly more of the comparison group (61%) indicated they are afraid of getting HIV &
AIDS than the iMatter group (50%).
6. While most children said they would still be friends with another child who has HIV or AIDS,
and feel sure they can be kind to those with HIV & AIDS, there nevertheless remains a
substantial amount of stigma toward those with HIV & AIDS. However, there was improvement
in the iMatter group’s attitudes about HIV & AIDS from the pre sample to the post sample on two
variables: “People with HIV & AIDS should live separately from people who do not have HIV &
AIDS;” and “HIV & AIDS is punishment for having sex or bad behaviour.” Also, significantly
more of the comparison group (21%) strongly agreed that HIV and AIDS is punishment for
having sex or bad behaviour than the iMatter group (14%).
7. The majority of children in both groups feel empowered in terms of making good choices and
understanding the impact of their choices, abstaining from sex before marriage and being faithful
to one partner in marriage.
8. In regard to intentions, most children in both groups indicated they would be likely to talk to
someone if a person tried to touch them in a bad way; they are likely to wait until marriage to
have sex, and will tell others to wait until marriage to have sex. The iMatter learners showed
improvement from the pre to the post sample in their likelihood of talking to someone if a person
tries to touch them in a bad way — in the post sample, significantly fewer (11%) said they
definitely would not go and talk to someone than in the pre sample (18%).
9. There exists a considerable amount of confusion about whether or not a person can be
completely cured or healed from HIV & AIDS in both groups. A substantial number of children
are also unclear about the following:
• A person can have HIV for years and not know it (this was especially confusing to
iMatter learners)
• HIV is not spread by mosquitoes or by using the same glass or toilet
• HIV can be spread by sharing needles with an infected person
• HIV can be spread to babies through breastfeeding
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The majority of both groups do understand these facts:
• You can get HIV by having sex with an infected person

• HIV can spread to babies before or during birth
• It is not ok to touch the blood or an open sore of someone with HIV or AIDS
• You can not get HIV from casual contact
Among iMatter learners, there was improvement, from the pre sample to the post sample, in their
understanding that HIV can spread to babies before or during birth. In the post sample,
significantly more of the iMatter learners (72%) also said true to this statement than the
comparison group (64%).
10. The majority of children in both groups feel valuable, believe they have special abilities or
qualities that make them unique, and that they can help others when they have problems.
However, the majority also feel that they are the same as every other person on earth (one-quarter
to one-third would disagree). Unfortunately, over half would also agree that they lack goals for
their lives.
Nevertheless, in the post sample, significantly more iMatter learners (35%) disagreed with the
statement “I am the same as every other person on earth” than the comparison group learners
(23%). There was also significant improvement in the iMatter learners in response to the
statement “I lack goals for my life,” with significantly more stating they strongly disagreed (17%)
in the post sample than in the pre sample (7%).
11. In regard to moral beliefs, the majority of children in both groups agreed that they feel sorry
when they tell a lie, and disagreed that it is ok to steal sometimes.
12. More than one-half of the children in both groups disagreed that it is the child’s fault if an
adult touches a child in a bad way, but about one-quarter to one-third of the children agreed with
this statement. Similarly, more than one-half agreed that “If a touch makes me feel shame or
uncomfortable, it is bad touch,” with one-quarter to almost a third disagreeing. These results
indicate a substantial amount of confusion still surrounding these issues. Even so, there was
improvement from the pre sample to the post sample among the iMatter learners — significantly
more stated they strongly disagreed with the statement “It is the child's fault if an adult touches a
child in a bad way” in the post sample (33%) than in the pre sample (25%). Also in the iMatter
group, significantly more stated they strongly agreed with the statement “If a touch makes me feel
shame or uncomfortable, it is bad touch” in the post sample (34%) than in the pre sample (20%).
13. The average age of the children in the survey was 12 years old, with the sample
approximately evenly divided between boys and girls. The majority of children in both groups
indicated they are Christian or Zionist, but significantly more of the comparison group (16%)
stated “Tradition” than the iMatter group (5%).
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14. The comparison group showed some very positive significant results in the following
categories:
Social Connectness: Significantly more of the iMatter group (31%) disagreed with the statement
“I feel that I have many friends” than the comparison group (22%).
Attitudes about HIV: In the post sample, significantly more of the comparison group strongly
agreed with the statements “If I found out my friend has HIV or AIDS, I would still be their
friend;” and “I feel sure that I can be kind to people with HIV and AIDS” than the iMatter group.
Vice-versa, significantly more of the comparison group strongly disagreed with the statements
“People with HIV and AIDS should live separately from people who do not have HIV and AIDS”
and “I feel like I will get HIV or AIDS no matter what I do in life” than the iMatter group.
Empowerment: In the post sample, significantly more of the comparison group (72%) said they
strongly agreed with the statement “I feel certain I can make good choices for my life even if
others disagree with me” than the iMatter group (64%).
Intentions: The comparison group learners showed improvement in their likelihood of talking to
someone if a person tries to touch them in a bad way — in the post sample, significantly fewer
(21%) said they would not go and talk to someone than in the pre sample (29%).
Knowledge of HIV Transmission: In the post sample, significantly more of the comparison
group (82%) said true to the statement “You can get HIV by having sex with someone who has
HIV or AIDS” than the iMatter group (74%). In the post sample, significantly more of the
comparison group (54%) also knew that babies can get HIV from breastfeeding than the iMatter
group (45%) and significantly fewer comparison group learners (11%) didn’t know that HIV can
be spread by sharing needles than the iMatter group (17%). Furthermore, significantly more of
the comparison group in the post sample (60%) knew that a person can have HIV for years
without knowing it than the iMatter group (45%).
iMatter Concepts: In the post sample, significantly more of the comparison group (74%) said
they feel valuable than the iMatter group (64%) and significantly fewer (22%) said it is ok to steal
sometimes than the iMatter group (34%). The comparison group also showed improvement from
the pre sample to the post sample on these variables: “I have special abilities or qualities that
make me unique;” “I think that I can help others when they have problems” and (among 6th
graders) their feelings about themselves as persons.
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RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The following objectives will be analyzed among children (learners) before and after being taught
the iMatter curriculum, as well as between iMatter learners and a comparison group.
1. Measure children’s knowledge of and attitude toward the abstinence and being faithful
messages.
2. Assess frequency of behaviors among children that may be precursors to HIV risky behaviors.
3. Determine children’s self-confidence to limit their HIV risky behavior and to see their choices
as having an effect on their future.
4. Measure personal attitudes about HIV, including children’s feelings toward others with HIV.
5. Analyze children’s connectedness, or friendships, with others, which is a protective factor

against risky sexual behavior.
6. Assess children’s intentions to stay away from HIV risky behavior in the future.
7. Identify the level of accurate knowledge children have about HIV transmission, as well as
prevalence of misconceptions regarding HIV transmission.
8. Specifically measure children’s understanding of concepts taught in the iMatter curriculum

regarding interpersonal relationships, moral behaviors and attitudes, understanding of who is
at fault when there is “bad touch,” perceptions of personal value, and having goals for the
future.
9. Measure children’s understanding of various HIV transmission risk factors/behaviors.
10. Develop a demographic profile in terms of age, gender and religious practice.
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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
A survey was conducted in the districts of Letsjweleputswa and Thabo Mofutsayana in Freestate,
South Africa among 5th and 6th graders who had studied the iMatter curriculum and a comparison
group of 5th and 6th graders who had participated in Life Orientation training but not iMatter in
their schools. It is important to note the distinction between a ‘comparison group’ and a ‘control
group’. A control group would have studied a particular curriculum, beginning and ending it at
exactly the same time as the iMatter group, and all variables would have been controlled for
consistency between the same groups. This survey did not use a ‘control group’ but instead used
a ‘comparison group’. In this survey the comparison group was simply a demographically similar
group of children who were participating in whatever training was being offered in their schools
at the same time as the iMattter students, without controlling for when their training started or
ended.
The pre-training sample was done from September 7 to 11, 2009. The post-training sample was
conducted October 27 to November 7, 2009, after iMatter had been taught in each of the test
schools. (Pre training and post training refers to the time before and after the iMatter training was
conducted, but the comparison group was also surveyed at the same times.) The sample breakout
is as follows:
Comparison Group: N= 617

Letsjweleputswa Pre Sample N=309 Post Sample N=308
Reitzpark (5th grade) 43 43
Reitzpark (6th grade) 42 42
Dr. Mngoma (6th grade) 56 50
Thabo Mofutsayana
Phinduzame (6th grade) 43 47
Mohlakaneng Intermediate (5th 17 18
grade)
Mohlakaneng Intermediate (6th 8 10
grade)
Bethlehem Intermediate (5th grade) 47 45
Bethlehem Intermediate (6th grade) 53 53
Test (iMatter) Group: N=489

Letsjweleputswa Pre Sample N=248 Post Sample N=241
Saaiplaas (5th grade) 45 42
Saaiplaas (6th grade) 37 36
Thabo Mofutsayana
Realtile Intermediate (6th grade) 32 32
Impuchuko Public School (5th grade) 51 50
Impuchuko Public School (6th grade) 50 48
Tsheseng Primary School (6th grade) 33 33
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Sample by Grade
The percent breakdown by grade for the sample is as follows:
iMatter Comparison
Pre Post Pre Post
Grade 5 40% 40% 34% 35%
Grade 6 60% 60% 66% 65%
Sampling Challenges
Originally, the intent of the survey was to have a sample size of 500 each for the iMatter and
comparison groups, for a total sample size of 1000. These same respondents would be sampled in
the pre and post survey. However, difficulties were encountered which required that the sample
size be lowered. These challenges were:
• A translation was done in Sotho that was not completely accurate to the English version.
Furthermore, part of the sample was done in Sotho and part in English. To keep
consistency and quality, only the English surveys were used.
• There was an uneven balance of 4th graders between the iMatter and comparison groups,
with iMatter having significantly more 4th graders than the comparison group (15% vs.
3% in the post sample). So to keep the two groups balanced demographically, the 4th
graders were removed from the final analysis.
• In Gauteng, it was reported that the data collection team explained the questions to the
comparison group so they would better understand the questions. While this was meant to
be helpful, it was determined that this could also cause bias, so the total sample from that
region, for both the iMatter and comparison groups, were removed from the final sample.
• In one comparison school and one iMatter school in Moteo, it was discovered that the
data collection team had entered the answers to the questionnaires. This was done on 75
iMatter questionnaires and 75 comparison group questionnaires, so these were also
removed from the final sample.
Data Processing
Upon completion of the survey, the completed questionnaires were mailed to MR Data Corp. in
Seaview, WA, which processed them and conducted significance testing on the data.
Significance Testing
Although the students were asked to answer questions related to their initials and birth date in
order to match the same respondents between the pre and post sample, a substantial number of
children did not complete these questions correctly so it was not possible to match the pre and
post sample without losing up to 40% of the data. So the pre and post samples are compared as a
group, and are not matched by each respondent. However, the same classrooms and schools were
included for the pre and post sample.
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Significance testing was conducted at the 5% level between the iMatter and comparison group,
and between the pre and post samples. Significant findings that are considered to be meaningful
are reported. For the iMatter group, a sample of 248 yields a maximum standard error of +/-
6.2%. For the Comparison group, a sample of 309 has a maximum standard error of +/- 5.6%.
Reporting of Likert Scales

The following Likert scales were used in the survey and have been collapsed for reporting
purposes in the data tables. However, the average means that are reported are based on the full
scale.
Personal Value: Based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being “I feel that I am very valuable,” 1 being
“I feel very useless” and 3 being “I don’t feel valuable or useless.” For the data tables, these are
collapsed into 3 categories: Valuable, Neutral and Useless.
Level of Agreement: Based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being “I strongly agree,” 1 being “I

strongly disagree” and 3 being “I neither agree or disagree.” For the data tables, these are
collapsed into 3 categories: Agree, Neutral and Disagree.
Likelihood of Behavior: Based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being “I definitely will,” 1 being “I

definitely will not,” and 3 being “I may or may not.” For the data tables, these are collapsed into
3 categories: I will, Neutral, I will not.
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BEHAVIORS
The total sample was asked how often they hold hands or kiss their boyfriend or girlfriend. These
behaviors may be precursors to HIV risky behavior In the post survey, the comparison group
stated “a lot” significantly more than the iMatter group for both holding hands and kissing their
boyfriends/girlfriends. Significant differences are highlighted in bold.
Incidence of Having a Boyfriend/Girlfriend
iMatter Comparison
Pre Post Pre Post
Yes 38% 42% 44% 42%
No 62% 58% 56% 58%
Frequency of Holding Hands with Boyfriend/Girlfriend
iMatter Comparison
Pre Post Pre Post
Never 62% 60% 55% 56%
Sometimes 27% 28% 26% 24%
A lot 11% 12% 20% 20%
Frequency of Kissing Boyfriend/Girlfriend
iMatter Comparison
Pre Post Pre Post
Never 71% 63% 65% 62%
Sometimes 22% 29% 22% 24%
A lot 7% 8% 13% 15%
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SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS
Social connectedness is a protective factor against engaging in HIV risky behavior. The following
questions measure the level of social connectedness among the learners, using a five point scale,
with 5 being strongly agree and 1 being strongly disagree (or 5 being “I definitely will” and 1
being “I definitely will not” for likelihood of behavior).
Overall Findings: The majority of children in both groups indicated they had good social
connections.
Positive iMatter Findings (shown in red): iMatter learners showed significant improvement on
three of the variables from the pre sample to the post sample. These variables were: “I want to go
to school most days;” “I often spend time with my friends;” and likelihood of telling their friends
when they feel bad. Also, significantly more of the iMatter learners (78%) said they would tell a
friend when they feel bad than the comparison group (69%).
Positive Comparison Group Findings: However, significantly more of the iMatter group (31%)
disagreed with the statement “I feel that I have many friends” than the comparison group (22%).
Significant differences are in bold.
iMatter Comparison
I feel that I have many friends. Pre Post Pre Post
Agree 66% 64% 64% 68%
Neutral 6% 5% 6% 10%
Disagree 28% 31% 30% 22%
Average mean 3.6 3.5 3.5 3.7
I often spend time with my friends.
Agree 65% 67% 61% 66%
Neutral 9% 10% 10% 11%
Disagree 27% 23% 30% 23%
Average mean 3.5 3.6 3.5 3.6
I want to go to school most days.
Agree 68% 74% 69% 71%
Neutral 6% 3% 5% 6%
Disagree 26% 23% 26% 23%
Average mean 3.5 3.8 3.5 3.8
I feel lonely at school.
Agree 35% 35% 27% 27%
Neutral 11% 8% 9% 9%
Disagree 54% 58% 65% 64%
Average mean 2.7 2.6 2.4 2.5
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How likely are you to tell your

friends when you feel bad?
I will 71% 78% 71% 69%
Neutral 7% 9% 14% 14%
I will not 22% 13% 16% 17%
Average mean 3.7 4.0 3.8 3.8
Additional significant differences (besides those highlighted in the table):
I want to go to school most days: In the iMatter group, significantly more said they strongly
agreed in the post sample (41%) than in the pre sample (19%).
I often spend time with my friends: In the iMatter group, significantly more said they strongly
agreed in the post sample (25%) than in the pre sample (17%).
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ATTITUDES ABOUT HIV
Using a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 meaning strongly agree and 1 meaning strongly disagree, the
children were asked to indicate their level of agreement with various attitude statements regarding
HIV.
Overall findings: About one-half or more of the learners are afraid of getting HIV & AIDS, and
at least one-fourth feel powerless in their fight against HIV & AIDS. While most children said
they would still be friends with another child who has HIV or AIDS, and feel sure they can be
kind to those with HIV & AIDS, there nevertheless remains quite a substantial amount of stigma
toward those with HIV & AIDS.
Positive iMatter Findings (shown in red): In the post sample, significantly more of the
comparison group (61%) indicated they are afraid of getting HIV & AIDS than the iMatter group
(50%). Also in the post sample, significantly more of the comparison group (21%) strongly
agreed that HIV & AIDS is punishment for having sex or bad behaviour than the iMatter group
(14%). Furthermore, there was improvement in the iMatter group’s attitudes from the pre sample
to the post sample on two variables: “People with HIV & AIDS should live separately from
people who do not have HIV & AIDS;” and “HIV & AIDS is punishment for having sex or bad
behaviour.”
Positive Comparison Group Findings: In the post sample, significantly more of the comparison
group strongly agreed with the statements “If I found out my friend has HIV or AIDS, I would
still be their friend;” and “I feel sure that I can be kind to people with HIV and AIDS” than the
iMatter group. Vice-versa, significantly more of the comparison group strongly disagreed with
the statements “People with HIV and AIDS should live separately from people who do not have
HIV and AIDS” and “I feel like I will get HIV or AIDS no matter what I do in life” than the
iMatter group.
iMatter Comparison
I am afraid of getting HIV & Pre Post Pre Post
AIDS.
Agree 55% 50% 54% 61%
Neutral 10% 14% 10% 11%
Disagree 35% 36% 35% 27%
Average mean 3.4 3.3 3.4 3.6
If I found out my friend has HIV
or AIDS, I would still be their
friend.
Agree 63% 70% 66% 71%
Neutral 10% 5% 9% 8%
Disagree 27% 25% 25% 20%
Average mean 3.6 3.7 3.6 3.9
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People with HIV & AIDS should

live separately from people who do
not have HIV & AIDS.
Agree 40% 31% 29% 26%
Neutral 14% 15% 8% 12%
Disagree 46% 53% 62% 62%
Average mean 2.9 2.6 2.5 2.4
HIV & AIDS is punishment for
having sex or bad behaviour.
Agree 47% 42% 48% 44%
Neutral 24% 20% 13% 12%
Disagree 30% 39% 39% 43%
Average mean 3.2 3.0 3.2 3.0
I feel like I will get HIV or AIDS
no matter what I do in life.
Agree 31% 31% 25% 26%
Neutral 19% 15% 8% 13%
Disagree 51% 54% 66% 61%
Average mean 2.6 2.6 2.3 2.4
I feel sure that I can be kind to
people with HIV& AIDS.
Agree 57% 62% 65% 69%
Neutral 15% 10% 11% 9%
Disagree 28% 27% 24% 22%
Average mean 3.4 3.6 3.6 3.8
Good people can get HIV & AIDS.
Agree 47% 42% 41% 41%
Neutral 11% 17% 11% 14%
Disagree 42% 41% 49% 45%
Average mean 3.0 3.0 2.8 3.0
If I found out my friend has HIV or AIDS, I would still be their friend: In the post sample,
significantly more of the comparison group (42%) said they strongly agreed than the iMatter
group (32%).
I feel sure that I can be kind to people with HIV and AIDS: In the post sample, significantly
more of the comparison group strongly agreed (39%) than the iMatter group (30%).
People with HIV and AIDS should live separately from people who do not have HIV and AIDS:
In the post sample, significantly more of the comparison group (37%) said they strongly
disagreed than the iMatter group (25%).
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I feel like I will get HIV or AIDS no matter what I do in life: In the post sample, significantly
more of the comparison group (34%) said they strongly disagreed than the iMatter group (26%).
HIV and AIDS is punishment for having sex or bad behaviour: In the post sample, significantly
more of the comparison group strongly agreed (21%) than the iMatter group (14%).
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EMPOWERMENT
Overall Findings: The majority of children in both groups feel empowered in terms of making
good choices and understanding the impact of their choices, abstaining from sex before marriage
and being faithful to one partner in marriage.
Positive iMatter Findings (shown in red): Among 6th graders in the post sample, significantly
more of the iMatter group said they agreed (75%) with the statement: “I feel sure that I can say no
to sex before I am married” than the comparison group (61%). Also in the post sample,
significantly more of the comparison group (13%) strongly disagreed with the statement “My
choices today will influence my future” than the iMatter group (7%).
group (72%) said they strongly agreed with the statement “I feel certain I can make good choices
for my life even if others disagree with me” than the iMatter group (64%), and significantly fewer
of the comparison group (16%) disagreed with the statement “When I get married, I feel sure that
I will be able to be stay with my husband or wife and not have other boyfriends or girlfriends”
than the iMatter group (23%). Also, significantly more of the comparison group (47%) strongly
agreed with this last statement than the iMatter group (37%).
Significant differences are in bold. A scale of 1 to 5 was used, with 5 being strongly agree and 1
being strongly disagree.
iMatter Comparison
My choices today will influence my Pre Post Pre Post
future.
Agree 64% 59% 58% 58%
Neutral 10% 11% 12% 11%
Disagree 26% 31% 30% 31%
Average mean 3.6 3.5 3.4 3.4
I feel certain I can make good
choices for my life even if others
disagree with me.
Agree 65% 64% 61% 72%
Neutral 10% 8% 11% 8%
Disagree 25% 28% 28% 20%
Average mean 3.6 3.6 3.4 3.8
I feel sure that I can say no to sex
before I am married.
Agree 61% 68% 61% 64%
Neutral 13% 9% 10% 10%
Disagree 26% 23% 28% 25%
Average mean 3.6 3.7 3.5 3.7
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When I get married, I feel sure

that I will be able to be stay with
my husband or wife and not have
other boyfriends or girlfriends.
Agree 66% 71% 71% 74%
Neutral 11% 6% 8% 10%
Disagree 23% 23% 21% 16%
Average mean 3.7 3.8 3.8 4.0
When I get married, I feel sure that I will be able to be stay with my husband or wife and not have
other boyfriends or girlfriends: In the post sample, significantly more of the comparison group
(47%) strongly agreed with this statement than the iMatter group (37%).
My choices today will influence my future: In the post sample, significantly more of the
comparison group (13%) strongly disagreed with this statement than the iMatter group (7%).
I feel sure that I can say no to sex before I am married: Among 6th graders in the post sample,
significantly more of the iMatter group said they agreed (75%) than the comparison group (61%).
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INTENTIONS
Overall Findings: The majority of children in both groups have good intentions: they would be
likely to talk to someone if a person tried to touch them in a bad way; they are likely to wait until
marriage to have sex, and will tell others to wait until marriage to have sex.
Positive iMatter Findings (shown in red): The iMatter learners showed improvement from the pre
to the post sample in their likelihood of talking to someone if a person tries to touch them in a bad
way — in the post sample, significantly fewer (11%) said they definitely would not go and talk to
someone than in the pre sample (18%). Also, in the post sample, significantly more of the
iMatter group (70%) said they would tell others to wait until marriage to have sex than the
comparison group (62%). The percent was even higher among 6th graders: 76% in the iMatter
group vs. 62% in the comparison group.
Positive Comparison Group Findings: The comparison group learners showed improvement in
their likelihood of talking to someone if a person tries to touch them in a bad way — in the post
sample, significantly fewer (21%) said they would not go and talk to someone than in the pre
sample (29%).
These questions are based on a 5 point scale, with 5 being “I definitely will’ and 1 being “I
definitely will not.” Significant differences are in bold.
iMatter Comparison
Pre Post Pre Post
How likely are you go and talk to
someone if a person tries to touch
you in a bad way?
I will 63% 70% 63% 67%
Neutral 10% 8% 8% 12%
I will not 27% 22% 29% 21%
Average mean 3.6 3.9 3.6 3.8
How likely are you to wait until
marriage to have sex?
I will 66% 70% 69% 68%
Neutral 13% 10% 10% 13%
I will not 21% 21% 22% 19%
Average mean 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.9
How likely are you to tell others to
wait until marriage to have sex?
I will 68% 70% 59% 62%
Neutral 10% 10% 18% 15%
I will not 22% 20% 24% 23%
Average mean 3.7 3.8 3.5 3.7
17
How likely are you to go and talk to someone if a person tries to touch you in a bad way? In the
iMatter group post sample, significantly fewer (11%) said they definitely would not go and talk to
someone than in the pre sample (18%).
How likely are you to tell others to wait until marriage to have sex? Among 6th graders,
significantly more of the iMatter group said they would (76%) than the comparison group (62%).
18
KNOWLEDGE OF HIV TRANSMISSION
To test the children’s knowledge about the facts or myths of HIV transmission, they were asked
to indicate true, false or do not know to each statement.
Overall Findings: Slightly less than one-half of the learners were able to say false to the
statement “A person can be completely cured or healed from HIV & AIDS,” indicating that there
still exists a considerable amount of confusion surrounding this concept in both groups. A
substantial number of children are also unclear about whether or not a person can have HIV for
years and not know it. However, the majority of both groups do understand that you can get HIV
by having sex with an infected person, that HIV can spread to babies before or during birth, that it
is not ok to touch the blood or an open sore of someone with HIV or AIDS, and that you can not
get HIV from casual contact. A slight majority also understand that it is not spread by mosquitoes
or by using the same glass or toilet, and that it can be spread by sharing needles with an infected
person, indicating much confusion still around these statements. About one-half of the learners
also do not understand that HIV can be spread to babies through breastfeeding.
Positive iMatter Findings (shown in red): Among iMatter learners, there was improvement, from
the pre sample to the post sample, in their understanding that HIV can spread to babies before or
during birth. In the post sample, significantly more of the iMatter learners (72%) also said true to
this statement than the comparison group (64%).
group (82%) said true to the statement “You can get HIV by having sex with someone who has
HIV or AIDS” than the iMatter group (74%). In the post sample, significantly more of the
comparison group (54%) also knew that babies can get HIV from breastfeeding than the iMatter
group (45%) and significantly fewer comparison group learners (11%) didn’t know that HIV can
be spread by sharing needles than the iMatter group (17%). Furthermore, significantly more of
the comparison group in the post sample (60%) knew that a person can have HIV for years
without knowing it than the iMatter group (45%).
iMatter Comparison
Pre Post Pre Post
A person can be completely cured
or healed from HIV & AIDS.
True 30% 24% 32% 27%
False 41% 45% 45% 49%
Do not know 29% 31% 23% 24%
19
You can get HIV by having sex

with someone who has HIV or
AIDS.
True 73% 74% 77% 82%
False 20% 19% 20% 14%
Do not know 8% 7% 3% 4%
HIV can spread to babies before or
during birth.
True 56% 72% 64% 64%
False 18% 14% 26% 18%
Do not know 26% 14% 11% 18%
Babies can get HIV from
breastfeeding.
True 45% 45% 50% 54%
False 31% 31% 30% 29%
Do not know 24% 24% 20% 18%
HIV is spread by mosquitoes.
True 19% 26% 34% 27%
False 65% 57% 51% 56%
Do not know 16% 17% 16% 16%
HIV can be spread by sharing
needles with someone who has HIV
or AIDS.
True 59% 55% 61% 62%
False 22% 28% 23% 27%
Do not know 19% 17% 15% 11%
It is okay to touch the blood or an
open sore of someone who has HIV
or AIDS.
True 22% 25% 19% 23%
False 71% 70% 74% 70%
Do not know 7% 5% 7% 7%
You can get HIV by hugging or
shaking hands with someone who
has it.
True 15% 15% 17% 14%
False 76% 76% 77% 79%
Do not know 9% 9% 7% 7%
20
You can get HIV by drinking from

the same glass or using the same
toilet as someone who has HIV.
True 20% 22% 24% 25%
False 64% 64% 60% 60%
Do not know 16% 15% 16% 15%
Someone may have HIV for years
and not know they have the
disease.
True 59% 45% 56% 60%
False 17% 18% 24% 18%
Do not know 24% 37% 20% 22%
21
HIV TRANSMISSION RISK FACTORS
Learners were asked to rate their level of agreement with five statements regarding their chances
of getting HIV & AIDS if they engage in various risky behaviors, using a scale from 1 to 5, with
5 meaning strongly agree and 1 meaning strongly disagree.
Overall Findings: Only about one-half of the children in both groups agreed with each statement,
indicating that there is a lack of agreement among a substantial number of children about risky
behaviors and how these behaviors can impact their chances of contracting HIV.
Positive iMatter Findings (shown in red): The iMatter group showed significant improvement in
their understanding, from the pre sample to the post sample, about three behaviors: “Your
chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you go to the city to earn money as a prostitute;”
“Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you are paid to have sex with someone” and
“Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you are pressured by someone to have sex.”
For each statement, significantly more of the iMatter group strongly agreed in the post sample
than in the pre sample. Furthermore, in the post sample, significantly more of the comparison
group (15%) strongly disagreed with the statement “Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are
higher if you have sex with adults who are much older” than the iMatter group (9%).
group (29%) strongly agreed with the statement “Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if
you have sex to get gifts” than the iMatter group (18%).
iMatter Comparison
Your chances of getting HIV & Pre Post Pre Post
AIDS are higher if you have sex to
get gifts.
Agree 51% 50% 51% 55%
Neutral 18% 16% 15% 15%
Disagree 32% 33% 35% 30%
Average mean 3.3 3.2 3.2 3.4
Your chances of getting HIV &
AIDS are higher if you go to the
city to earn money as a prostitute.
Agree 49% 51% 49% 51%
Neutral 15% 16% 12% 13%
Disagree 36% 33% 39% 36%
Average mean 3.2 3.3 3.2 3.3
22

AIDS are higher if you have sex
with adults who are much older.
Agree 50% 57% 54% 55%
Neutral 14% 14% 14% 13%
Disagree 36% 29% 31% 32%
Average mean 3.2 3.5 3.4 3.4
AIDS are higher if you are paid to
have sex with someone.
Agree 54% 59% 56% 59%
Neutral 14% 15% 12% 8%
Disagree 32% 26% 32% 32%
Average mean 3.4 3.6 3.4 3.5
AIDS are higher if you are
pressured by someone to have sex.
Agree 51% 57% 52% 56%
Neutral 17% 16% 13% 18%
Disagree 32% 27% 35% 26%
Average mean 3.2 3.4 3.2 3.5
Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you have sex to get gifts: In the post sample,
significantly more of the comparison group (29%) strongly agreed with this statement than the
iMatter group (18%).
Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you go to the city to earn money as a prostitute:
In the iMatter group, significantly more said they strongly agreed in the post sample (26%) than
in the pre sample (17%).
Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you are paid to have sex with someone: In the
iMatter group, significantly more said they strongly agreed in the post sample (32%) than in the
pre sample (20%).
Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you are pressured by someone to have sex: In
the iMatter group, significantly more said they strongly agreed in the post sample (23%) than in
the pre sample (15%).
Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you have sex with adults who are much older:
In the post sample, significantly more of the comparison group (15%) strongly disagreed with this
statement than the iMatter group (9%).
23
iMATTER CONCEPTS
Nine statements testing knowledge about lessons taught in iMatter were presented to the children.
For most of the statements, the children were asked to indicate their level of agreement on a 5
point scale, with 5 being strongly agree and 1 being strongly disagree. For one question, “How
do you feel about yourself as a person?” they were asked to indicate their sense of personal value
on a 5 point scale, with 5 meaning “I feel that I am very valuable” and 1 meaning “I feel very
useless.”
Overall Findings: The majority of children in both groups feels valuable, believe they have
special abilities or qualities that make them unique, and that they can help others when they have
problems. However, the majority also feel that they are the same as every other person on earth
(one-quarter to one-third would disagree). Unfortunately, over half would also agree that they
lack goals for their lives.
In regard to moral behavior, the majority of children in both groups also agreed that they feel
sorry when they tell a lie, and disagreed that it is ok to steal sometimes.
“Bad touch” is another issue that was tested: More than one-half of the children disagreed that it
is the child’s fault if an adult touches a child in a bad way, but about one-quarter to one-third of
the children agreed with this statement. Similarly, more than one-half agreed that “If a touch
makes me feel shame or uncomfortable, it is bad touch,” with one-quarter to almost a third
disagreeing. These results indicate a substantial amount of confusion still surrounding these
issues.
Positive iMatter Findings (shown in red): In the post sample, significantly more iMatter learners
(35%) disagreed with the statement “I am the same as every other person on earth” than the
comparison group learners (23%). There was also significant improvement in the iMatter
learners in response to the statement “I lack goals for my life,” with significantly more stating
they strongly disagreed (17%) in the post sample than in the pre sample (7%).
With regards to bad touch, there was also improvement among the iMatter learners: Significantly
more stated they strongly disagreed with the statement “It is the child's fault if an adult touches a
child in a bad way” in the post sample (33%) than in the pre sample (25%). Also in the iMatter
group, significantly more stated they strongly agreed with the statement “If a touch makes me feel
shame or uncomfortable, it is bad touch” in the post sample (34%) than in the pre sample (20%).
group (74%) said they feel valuable than the iMatter group (64%) and significantly fewer (22%)
said it is ok to steal sometimes than the iMatter group (34%). The comparison group also showed
improvement from the pre sample to the post sample on these variables: “I have special abilities
or qualities that make me unique;” “I think that I can help others when they have problems” and
(among 6th graders) their feelings about themselves as persons.
24
iMatter Comparison
How do you feel about yourself as Pre Post Pre Post
a person?
Valuable 70% 64% 68% 74%
Neutral 16% 20% 16% 15%
Useless 14% 15% 16% 11%
Average mean 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.2
I am the same as every other
person on earth.
Agree 54% 55% 66% 70%
Neutral 16% 10% 8% 7%
Disagree 30% 35% 26% 23%
Average mean 3.3 3.3 3.6 3.8
I have special abilities or qualities
that make me unique.
Agree 67% 65% 59% 70%
Neutral 10% 13% 14% 13%
Disagree 22% 23% 27% 17%
Average mean 3.6 3.6 3.5 3.8
I think that I can help others when
they have problems.
Agree 71% 75% 70% 75%
Neutral 7% 8% 7% 9%
Disagree 21% 17% 22% 16%
Average mean 3.7 3.8 3.7 3.9
I lack goals for my life.
Agree 63% 58% 59% 53%
Neutral 13% 10% 9% 13%
Disagree 24% 32% 32% 34%
Average mean 3.5 3.3 3.4 3.3
I feel sorry when I tell a lie.
Agree 71% 72% 70% 69%
Neutral 5% 5% 8% 9%
Disagree 24% 23% 23% 22%
Average mean 3.7 3.8 3.7 3.7
It is ok to steal sometimes.
Agree 31% 34% 24% 22%
Neutral 8% 8% 12% 14%
Disagree 61% 59% 64% 64%
Average mean 2.5 2.5 2.3 2.3
25
It is the child's fault if an adult

touches a child in a bad way.
Agree 36% 33% 32% 27%
Neutral 10% 12% 6% 12%
Disagree 54% 55% 62% 61%
Average mean 2.7 2.6 2.5 2.4
If a touch makes me feel shame or
uncomfortable, it is bad touch.
Agree 57% 65% 59% 65%
Neutral 12% 8% 10% 11%
Disagree 31% 27% 31% 24%
Average mean 3.4 3.6 3.4 3.6
It is the child's fault if an adult touches a child in a bad way: In the iMatter group, significantly
more stated they strongly disagreed (33%) in the post sample than in the pre sample (25%).
If a touch makes me feel shame or uncomfortable, it is bad touch: In the iMatter group,
significantly more stated they strongly agreed (34%) in the post sample than in the pre sample
(20%).
I lack goals for my life: In the iMatter group, significantly more stated they strongly disagreed
(17%) in the post sample than in the pre sample (7%).
How do you feel about yourself as a person?: Among 6th graders in the comparison group,
significantly fewer said they feel useless (11%) in the post sample than in the pre sample (18%).
26
DEMOGRAPHICS
The following demographics are from the post survey. With the exception of religious faith
practiced, there were no significant differences in these figures from the pre survey because the
same classes were surveyed in the same schools for the pre and post surveys.
Age
The average mean age of the learners was 12 years old.
iMatter Comparison
10-11 years old 32% 32%
12-13 years old 57% 57%
14 + years old 11% 12%
Average mean 12.1 years old 12.2 years old
Gender
iMatter Comparison
Boy 48% 54%
Girl 52% 46%
Religious Faith Practiced

The majority of children in both groups indicated they are Christian or Zionist. Significantly more
of the comparison group (16%) stated “Tradition” than the iMatter group (5%).
iMatter Comparison
Christian 45% 40%
Zionist 19% 14%
Tradition 5% 16%
Catholic 6% 8%
Respect of Ancestors 4% 4%
Muslim 3% 2%
Other 13% 13%
None 5% 3%
Significance difference by religious faith practiced: In the pre-sample, 35% of the iMatter
learners cited “Christian” as their religious faith and in the post-sample, 45% stated “Christian.”
Likewise, in the pre-sample, 11% of iMatter learners stated “Tradition” and in the post sample
5% cited “Tradition.”
27
APPENDIX A: ANALYSIS OF THE “ABSTINENCE” MESSAGE
Overall, the majority of children in both groups feel sure they can say no to sex before marriage,
they are likely to wait until marriage to have sex, and likely to tell others to wait until marriage to
have sex (although the latter was stronger among the iMatter group).
Positive iMatter Findings (shown in red): In the post sample, significantly more of the iMatter
group (70%) said they would tell others to wait until marriage to have sex than the comparison
group (62%). The percent was even higher among 6th graders: 76% in the iMatter group vs. 62%
in the comparison group. Among 6th graders in the post sample, significantly more of the iMatter
group said they agreed (75%) with the statement: “I feel sure that I can say no to sex before I am
married” than the comparison group (61%).
Significant differences are in bold. A scale of 1 to 5 was used, with 5 being strongly agree and 1
being strongly disagree.
iMatter Comparison
ABSTINENCE Pre Post Pre Post
I feel sure that I can say no to sex
before I am married.
Agree 61% 68% 61% 64%
Neutral 13% 9% 10% 10%
Disagree 26% 23% 28% 25%
Average mean 3.6 3.7 3.5 3.7
How likely are you to wait until
marriage to have sex?
I will 66% 70% 69% 68%
Neutral 13% 10% 10% 13%
I will not 21% 21% 22% 19%
Average mean 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.9
How likely are you to tell others to
wait until marriage to have sex?
I will 68% 70% 59% 62%
Neutral 10% 10% 18% 15%
I will not 22% 20% 24% 23%
Average mean 3.7 3.8 3.5 3.7
I feel sure that I can say no to sex before I am married: Among 6th graders in the post sample,
significantly more of the iMatter group said they agreed (75%) than the comparison group (61%).
How likely are you to tell others to wait until marriage to have sex? Among 6th graders,
significantly more of the iMatter group said they would (76%) than the comparison group (62%).
28
Abstinence
Q26. I feel sure that I can say no to sex before I am married.
Q42. How likely are you to wait until marriage to have sex?
Q43. How likely are you to tell others to wait until marriage to have sex?
Pre Post Pre Post

Question IMatter group IMatter group Comparison Comparison
Q26 3.6 3.7 3.5 3.7
Q42 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.9
Q43 3.7 3.8 3.5 3.7
Total 11.1 11.3 10.8 11.3
29
APPENDIX B: ANALYSIS OF THE “BE FAITHFUL” MESSAGE
Learners were asked to rate their level of agreement with five statements regarding their chances
of getting HIV & AIDS if they engage in various risky behaviors, as well as their certainty of
staying faithful in marriage, using a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 meaning strongly agree and 1
meaning strongly disagree.
Overall Findings: The majority of children in both groups agreed that they could stay faithful in
marriage. Only about one-half of the children in both groups agreed with each of the other
statements related to chances of contracting HIV due to risky behaviors, indicating that there is a
lack of agreement among a substantial number of children about risky behaviors and how these
behaviors can impact their chances of contracting HIV.
Positive iMatter Findings (shown in red): The iMatter group showed significant improvement in
their understanding, from the pre sample to the post sample, about three behaviors: “Your
chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you go to the city to earn money as a prostitute;”
“Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you are paid to have sex with someone” and
“Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you are pressured by someone to have sex.”
For each statement, significantly more of the iMatter group strongly agreed in the post sample
than in the pre sample. Furthermore, in the post sample, significantly more of the comparison
group (15%) strongly disagreed with the statement “Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are
higher if you have sex with adults who are much older” than the iMatter group (9%).
Positive Comparison Group Findings: Significantly more of the comparison group (47%)
strongly agreed with the statement “When I get married, I feel sure that I will be able to be stay
with my husband or wife and not have other boyfriends or girlfriends” than the iMatter group
(37%). Also, in the post sample, significantly fewer of the comparison group (16%) disagreed
with this statement than the iMatter group (23%), and overall the comparison group had a
significantly higher average mean rating (4.0) for feeling sure they could stay with their
husband/wife and not have other boyfriends/girlfriends than the iMatter group (3.8). In addition,
in the post sample, significantly more of the comparison group (29%) strongly agreed with the
statement “Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you have sex to get gifts” than the
iMatter Comparison
Pre Post Pre Post
BEING FAITHFUL
When I get married, I feel sure
that I will be able to be stay with
my husband or wife and not have
other boyfriends or girlfriends.
Agree 66% 71% 71% 74%
Neutral 11% 6% 8% 10%
Disagree 23% 23% 21% 16%
Average mean 3.7 3.8 3.8 4.0
30
iMatter Comparison
Your chances of getting HIV & Pre Post Pre Post
AIDS are higher if you have sex to
get gifts.
Agree 51% 50% 51% 55%
Neutral 18% 16% 15% 15%
Disagree 32% 33% 35% 30%
Average mean 3.3 3.2 3.2 3.4
AIDS are higher if you go to the
city to earn money as a prostitute.
Agree 49% 51% 49% 51%
Neutral 15% 16% 12% 13%
Disagree 36% 33% 39% 36%
Average mean 3.2 3.3 3.2 3.3
AIDS are higher if you have sex
with adults who are much older.
Agree 50% 57% 54% 55%
Neutral 14% 14% 14% 13%
Disagree 36% 29% 31% 32%
Average mean 3.2 3.5 3.4 3.4
AIDS are higher if you are paid to
have sex with someone.
Agree 54% 59% 56% 59%
Neutral 14% 15% 12% 8%
Disagree 32% 26% 32% 32%
Average mean 3.4 3.6 3.4 3.5
AIDS are higher if you are
pressured by someone to have sex.
Agree 51% 57% 52% 56%
Neutral 17% 16% 13% 18%
Disagree 32% 27% 35% 26%
Average mean 3.2 3.4 3.2 3.5
When I get married, I feel sure that I will be able to be stay with my husband or wife and not have
other boyfriends or girlfriends: In the post sample, significantly more of the comparison group
(47%) strongly agreed with this statement than the iMatter group (37%).
31
Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you have sex to get gifts: In the post sample,
significantly more of the comparison group (29%) strongly agreed with this statement than the
Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you go to the city to earn money as a prostitute:
In the iMatter group, significantly more said they strongly agreed in the post sample (26%) than
in the pre sample (17%).
Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you are paid to have sex with someone: In the
iMatter group, significantly more said they strongly agreed in the post sample (32%) than in the
pre sample (20%).
Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you are pressured by someone to have sex: In
the iMatter group, significantly more said they strongly agreed in the post sample (23%) than in
the pre sample (15%).
Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you have sex with adults who are much older:
In the post sample, significantly more of the comparison group (15%) strongly disagreed with this
statement than the iMatter group (9%).
Be Faithful
Q27. When I get married, I feel sure that I will be able to be stay with my husband or wife and
not have other boyfriends or girlfriends.
Q35. Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you have sex to get gifts.
Q36. Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you go to the city to earn money as a
prostitute.
Q37. Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you have sex with adults who are much
older.
Q38. Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you are paid to have sex with someone.
Q39. Your chances of getting HIV/AIDS are higher if you are pressured by someone to have sex.
Pre Post Pre Post

Question IMatter group IMatter group Comparison Comparison
Q27 3.7 3.8 3.8 4.0
Q35 3.3 3.2 3.2 3.4
Q36 3.2 3.3 3.2 3.3
Q37 3.2 3.5 3.4 3.4
Q38 3.4 3.6 3.4 3.5
Q39 3.2 3.4 3.2 3.5
Total 20 20.8 20.2 21.1
32
APPENDIX C: MEASURES
The iMatter Survey was developed to assess the effectiveness of the iMatter materials. The
learner form of the iMatter Survey includes various demographic items such as age, gender and
religion. Following the demographic questions, there are eight conceptual topics or categories
from which the questions have been developed. In the actual survey the questions have been
organized by question type and not by topic. However the eight topics/categories are described
here.
Behaviors. These two items assess behaviors that may be precursors to HIV risky behaviors, such
as whether the learners hold hands with and/or kiss their boyfriends/girlfriends, and if so, how
often. These questions have been included due to research which suggests that having sexual
relations at an early age increases the chances of a person contracting HIV.
Connectedness. These five questions assess the students’ connectedness to others, e.g. the
friendships of the learner and the learner’s friendships at school. The iMatter materials stress the
importance of family relationships and friendships. These items are based on the Social
Connectedness Scale - Revised (Lee, 2000). Resnick, Harris, & Blum (1993) found that social
connectedness was a protective factor against disturbed and acting out behaviors, including
sexual behavior and drug use.
Attitudes. These seven items assess the learner’s attitudes about themselves and about HIV/AIDS,
including their attitudes about people who have the disease. First the questions address the
learner’s attitudes towards others (particularly those with HIV/AIDS) and second, they address
the learner’s own attitudes and fears about HIV/AIDS. Many of these questions were adapted
from questions used in a HIV survey in Nigeria (Wodi, 2005). Research suggests that there is a
stigma against individuals with HIV/AIDS and they tend be rejected from society, denied care,
and harshly judged (Malcolm, Aggleton, Bronfman, Galvao, Mane, & Verrall, 1998; UNAIDS,
2002). Although the iMatter material seeks to teach children how to reduce their risk of
contracting HIV & AIDS, it also contains lessons about accepting, befriending, and caring for
those with the disease.
Empowerment. These four items assess the learner’s self-confidence to limit their HIV risky
behavior and to see their choices as having an effect on their future. Research suggests that youth
who do not understand their rights to protection from sexual exploitation are more likely to be
coerced into sexual activity (East & Adams, 2002).
Intentions. These three questions assess the student’s future intentions to stay away from HIV
risky behavior. Intentions are understood to explain the motivational factors that influence a
behavior (Ajzen, 1991). By doing a meta-analysis of experiments that tested intentions and
behaviors, Webb and Sheeran (2006) found that a change in intentions leads to a change in
behaviors. Because the participants are middle school aged children, it is especially important to
assess their future intentions towards making smart choices.
33
Knowledge. These ten questions assess the students’ general knowledge about how HIV & AIDS
can be spread between individuals. Learners are asked about the more well known methods of
contracting the disease (having sex with someone with HIV & AIDS, sharing needles,
breastfeeding) because research has found that there are serious misconceptions about how HIV
is transmitted (Cohall, Kassotis, Parks, Vaughn, Bannister, & Northridge, 2001). Learners are
also asked about common misconceptions (i.e. HIV is spread my mosquitoes; it is okay to touch
blood or sores of someone with HIV/AIDS). It is important to assess the knowledge about myths
because believing these may make the students less cautious about HIV risky behaviors because
they feel that getting the disease is inevitable (Wodi, 2005).
iMatter. These nine questions assess topics that are covered in the iMatter curriculum, including
questions about interpersonal relationships (i.e. I think that I can help others when they have
problems), antisocial behaviors and attitudes (i.e. It is okay to steal sometimes), understanding
who is at fault when there is “bad touch,” perceptions of personal value and having goals for the
future.
HIV Transmission Risk Factors. These five questions test the learners’ knowledge about HIV
transmission risk factors, such as being pressured to have sex, being paid to have sex and having
sex with an older adult.
34
APPENDIX D: BACKGROUND
The impact of the HIV epidemic can be felt throughout all of South Africa. Prevention is a key
strategy for reducing the infection rate which is currently over 18%. “The future course of the
epidemic hinges in many respects on the behaviors young people adopt or maintain, and the
contextual factors that affect those choices (Department of Health, Republic of South Africa,
2006).” Children in South Africa between the ages 10 to 14 have the lowest HIV infection rate of
any age group in South Africa. Thus, they represent one of the greatest opportunities to reduce the
HIV & AIDS prevalence rates. If young children adopt healthy behaviors, the spread of HIV can
be limited. Schools, particularly Life Orientation classes which are designed to prepare children
for life, provide an ideal setting to address topics related to HIV prevention. Because Life
Orientation classes have only recently become mandatory, the teachers have yet not received
proper training nor do they have sufficient materials and resources.
In response to these needs, Reaching a Generation (RaG), a community-based South African

organization, in cooperation with Hope Education (HE), a US NGO, developed a training
program for Life Orientation (LO) teachers focusing on HIV prevention and the development of
skills necessary for teaching LO. Along with teacher trainings, RaG/HE has developed an age
appropriate, child-centered curriculum called iMatter to equip Life Orientation teachers with the
materials they need for LO/HIV prevention education. These programs have been developed in
cooperation with the Department of Education and have the Department’s full support. The
LO/HIV prevention teacher training is based on a learner-centered model and focuses on practical
and interactive activities that engage the teachers. Begun as a pilot program in the Free State
province in August 2006, teacher training was tested, revised, improved and expanded. To date,
more than 3,000 teachers have been trained. The process uses Master Trainers working in
cooperation with Department of Education LO Educators to provide direct LO teacher training in
the provinces.
The program targets Life Orientation Teachers with education and materials equipping them to
provide Life Orientation/HIV Prevention Education for children in grades 2 to 7. The program
supplements the materials currently available to teachers by providing additional resources
aligned with the Outcomes and Assessment Standards as indicated in the National Curriculum
Statement.
PEPFAR Training Grant

Hope Education Foundation, in partnership with Reaching a Generation, has received a
President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) prevention training grant to equip
teachers and provide a LO/HIV Prevention curriculum, which is called iMatter, to learners in
South Africa.
The Program Goal is to develop indigenous capacity to provide young learners with HIV
prevention training and appropriate life skills to affect lasting moral and behavioral change.
35
Program Objectives
-‐ Increase the capacity of the 6,631 Life Orientation teachers to promote HIV prevention
through abstinence and faithfulness.
-‐ Reach 851,000 total learners with a message that promotes HIV prevention through
abstinence and being faithful, including 150,000 orphans and vulnerable children (OVA).
-‐ Develop the capacity of the Department of Education at the provincial and district level.
-‐ Develop the administrative, logistic and academic capacity of RaG and Hope Education
to sustain quality HIV prevention education.
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South Africa Learner Survey 2009

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South Africa Learner Survey 2009

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Hope Educational Foundation

iMatter Learner Survey

Pre and Post Outcomes Research

KEY RESEARCH CONCLUSIONS

The majority of both groups do understand these facts:

• You can get HIV by having sex with an infected person

5. Analyze children’s connectedness, or friendships, with others, which is a protective factor

8. Specifically measure children’s understanding of concepts taught in the iMatter curriculum

9. Measure children’s understanding of various HIV transmission risk factors/behaviors.

Comparison Group: N= 617

Test (iMatter) Group: N=489

Reporting of Likert Scales

Level of Agreement: Based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being “I strongly agree,” 1 being “I

Likelihood of Behavior: Based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being “I definitely will,” 1 being “I

Incidence of Having a Boyfriend/Girlfriend

Frequency of Holding Hands with Boyfriend/Girlfriend

Frequency of Kissing Boyfriend/Girlfriend

Significant differences are in bold.

How likely are you to tell your

Additional significant differences (besides those highlighted in the table):

ATTITUDES ABOUT HIV

Significant differences are in bold.

People with HIV & AIDS should

Additional significant differences (besides those highlighted in the table):

When I get married, I feel sure

Additional significant differences (besides those highlighted in the table):

Additional significant differences (besides those highlighted in the table):

KNOWLEDGE OF HIV TRANSMISSION

Significant differences are in bold.

You can get HIV by having sex

You can get HIV by drinking from

HIV TRANSMISSION RISK FACTORS

Significant differences are in bold.

Your chances of getting HIV &

Additional significant differences (besides those highlighted in the table):

Significant differences are in bold.

It is the child's fault if an adult

Additional significant differences (besides those highlighted in the table):

Religious Faith Practiced

APPENDIX A: ANALYSIS OF THE “ABSTINENCE” MESSAGE

Additional significant differences (besides those highlighted in the table):

Pre Post Pre Post

APPENDIX B: ANALYSIS OF THE “BE FAITHFUL” MESSAGE

Additional significant differences (besides those highlighted in the table):

Pre Post Pre Post

In response to these needs, Reaching a Generation (RaG), a community-based South African

PEPFAR Training Grant

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