During their visit to Namibia, President George W. Bush and Ms Bush visited the Ella du Plessis High School in Windhoek to see how students are learning the life skills they need to help them make responsible decisions as they transition into adulthood.
The students had a lively discussion with their high-profile guests, explaining how the classes helped to teach them respect for others and expose them to sensitive issues, such as unintended pregnancy, HIV infection and gender-based violence. Answering a direct question from President Bush, male students in the class said the classes taught them respect for young women.
The First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, and the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, accompanied President Bush and Ms Bush on the visit. Mr Sidibé praised President Bush for setting up the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
“When President Bush established the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in 2003, just 50 000 people in Africa were accessing medicines to keep them healthy and alive,” said Mr Sidibé. “Today, more than 12 million people in Africa, and 18 million globally, are accessing antiretroviral medicines.”
President Bush encouraged young people to get tested for HIV, learn how to protect themselves from the virus and get treatment if necessary.
During the visit, Ms Bush announced that the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries planned to fully stock the Ella du Plessis High School’s library. The first books donated were a book of paintings by her husband and her daughter Jenna’s book called Ana’s story: a journey of hope.
The school’s life skills class is part of the First Lady of Namibia’s Be Free campaign, which encourages young people to talk about sensitive issues facing them and to seek help and guidance to help them navigate life choices.
