Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.This study outlines the use of a digital archive (a data set of staged HIV stigma
photographs which were taken by Grade 8 and 9 learners) with educators in two rural
schools in KwaZulu-Natal, exploring their views on using it in their teaching to address
HIV and AIDS-related stigma. It responds to the need for creative and participatory
methods in addressing HIV and AIDS. A qualitative, interpretive, exploratory and
contextual design, using community-based participatory research methodology, was
used to explore the digital archive, identify, and try out ways in which it could be used
in addressing the pandemic. Data was generated using ICT-based focus group
interviews involving fourteen male and female educators from two schools some - who
have been participating in HIV research projects. I draw on a psycho-social framework
within the ecosystemic approach, the values of community psychology and research as
social change.
A digital archive has potential for communication and transferring information,
especially in a rural area. It also shows potential to get both females and males to work
together in addressing HIV-related stigma, hence reducing the gendered skewness of
this pandemic. From the educators‟ responses to using the digital archive, themes
emerged around working with the content of the archive, using the archive for teaching
and learning, using the archive for engaging with stigma in the school and for change in
the community. The findings suggest that the use of a digital archive in a rural context
can enable educators to access and share digital material, which is locally produced,
relevant and realistic, to address HIV-related stigma in the school. The tool in use can
facilitate community participation and be used to deepen the understanding about HIV
and HIV and AIDS-related stigma to a level that has impact on individual behaviour and
ultimately on the community. Despite the potential there are still challenges such as
lack of access to infrastructure, literacy, and relevant content. This work is exploratory
and encourages further work to explore the implications and the trends on the use of a
digital archive in other school settings
