The Unit for Education Research in AIDS project is funded by the UPDepartment of Community Engagement as well as an anonymous trust (sourced by the UP Department of Institutional Advancement).

The collaborative project between Ngilandi High School in rural Mpumalanga and the Department of Educational Psychology is in it’s third year. The aim of the project is twofold. Firstly, MEd(Educational psychology)-students are able to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge within a characteristic South African school milieu. Secondly, grade 9 learners receive expert educational psychology services. Students integrate and apply career psychology theory by designing and implementing activities with the children. During the first of two 2-day visits to the school, students assess children’s existing resources as well as needs.

The purpose of the second visit is to implement an intervention whereby existing strengths can be mobilized to address identified needs – emotional, behavioural, scholastic or career guidance focused.