A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Community Psychology in the Department of Psychology University of Zululand, 2006. / This study was aimed at improving knowledge, attitude and practices of teachers, parents and learners on HIV/AIDS issues in Mthatha schools in Eastern Cape. The specific objective was to promote mental health in the form of improved family communication about HIV/AIDS issues and also to promote the value of psychological interventions among Xhosa families in the Eastern Cape. The target population was drawn among teachers and families of the learners in two schools (urban and rural) in the Mthatha district of Eastern Cape. All participants were given an HTV/AIDS life skills intervention programme for about nine weeks. Quantitative data was collected from a structured questionnaire and qualitative data from a focus group interview. The findings revealed a general improvement in HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude and practices. Teachers seemed to be more knowledgeable than parents and learners with regard to HIV/AIDS issues. Learners manifested resistance to change in their practices though all participants preferred abstinence or safer sex than the use of condom. Learners seemed resistant to change sexual practices though all participants preferred abstinence or safer sex above condom usage.