Video summary
A powerful and beautifully animated documentary that uses the first-person testimony from Melissa, a child living with HIV.
Melissa explains what HIV is, how she was diagnosed, the medication she takes and the physical effect of the virus.
She talks about her fear of telling people, and the stigma that made her feel early on that her condition must be kept secret.
This animation will be particularly useful for teachers when covering topics like self confidence, emotional well-being and respecting differences.
Teacher review prior to use in class is recommended. Contains some scenes which younger viewers may find upsetting.
This clip is from the series: I Can't Go To School Today
Teacher Notes
Key Stage 2:
You could ask your pupils how having HIV might impact their lives; what challenges might you be confronted with, how can other people around you make things easier?
Key Stage 3 / 4:
You could encourage students to discuss whether they have ever felt lacking in self-confidence and how they overcame that feeling.
This short film will be relevant for teaching KS2, KS3 and KS4 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and at 2nd, 3rd and 4th Level in Scotland.
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