The aim of the research was to investigate the needs of adolescents and to determine their attitude, knowledge and skills regarding HIV/AIDS and life skills. The next step was to develop an empowering program to teach them life skills and to educate them with regard to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. To meet this aim, the following objectives were formulated: -To identify the needs of adolescents and extend their knowledge, skills and attitude regarding HIV/AIDS and life skills through empirical research and literature study. -To design a life skills program through a literature study and empirical research in order to improve the social functioning of the adolescents. The objectives were achieved by studying the relevant literature and through empirical research. The available literature on the subject was consulted to determine whether any research has been conducted in this field, and whether the subject could be researched. The empirical research was conducted to confirm the previous research findings. The literature study and empirical research were vital for formulating a social work empowering program. In this research, the survey method was used as a systematic fact-gathering procedure. Data was gathered through a structured questionnaire. The data was used to describe the study sample, since socio-economic status could possibly have an effect on the general health and development of children. The research data were collected from the adolescents and their families to estimate the prevalence of their living standards, habits and lifestyle, knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding HIV/AIDS . The findings of this research reflected that adolescents had an urgent need for more knowledge and information concerning HIV/AIDS and life skills. In order to address this problem an empowering program was developed and will be presented. In this research the group work method will be used as an effective intervention strategy in empowering young people. Education is crucial; therefore it seems important to educate young people in certain life skills to empower them to cope with the challenges and demands of life. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

The aim of the research was to investigate the needs of adolescents and to determine their attitude, knowledge and skills regarding HIV/AIDS and life skills. The next step was to develop an empowering program to teach them life skills and to educate them with regard to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. To meet this aim, the following objectives were formulated: -To identify the needs of adolescents and extend their knowledge, skills and attitude regarding HIV/AIDS and life skills through empirical research and literature study. -To design a life skills program through a literature study and empirical research in order to improve the social functioning of the adolescents. The objectives were achieved by studying the relevant literature and through empirical research. The available literature on the subject was consulted to determine whether any research has been conducted in this field, and whether the subject could be researched. The empirical research was conducted to confirm the previous research findings. The literature study and empirical research were vital for formulating a social work empowering program. In this research, the survey method was used as a systematic fact-gathering procedure. Data was gathered through a structured questionnaire. The data was used to describe the study sample, since socio-economic status could possibly have an effect on the general health and development of children. The research data were collected from the adolescents and their families to estimate the prevalence of their living standards, habits and lifestyle, knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding HIV/AIDS . The findings of this research reflected that adolescents had an urgent need for more knowledge and information concerning HIV/AIDS and life skills. In order to address this problem an empowering program was developed and will be presented. In this research the group work method will be used as an effective intervention strategy in empowering young people. Education is crucial; therefore it seems important to educate young people in certain life skills to empower them to cope with the challenges and demands of life. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.