Sexuality education claimed to save lives
COMPREHENSIVE Sexuality Education (CSE) is a critical intervention, shown to reduce HIV and other sexuallytransmitted infections, gender-based violence and teen pregnancies.
South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV in the world at 7.7 million people.
Most new HIV infections occur among young adults and adolescents, with HIV prevalence among young women nearly four times greater than that of men their age.
Gender-based violence and child sexual abuse are well-publicised and widespread in communities across the country – over 1 in 3 girls and boys experience sexual violence before the age of 17.
Teen births remain unacceptably high and impact on learning and teaching. Only one-third of girls stay in school during their pregnancy and return following childbirth.
The latest research indicates the lowering of the age of sexual debut (the age at which a person first has sex) and an increase in risky sexual behaviour among adolescents.
HIV prevention knowledge has declined among pupils. The number of adolescent girls who have sexual relationships with older sexual partners continues to increase.
As a country, we simply cannot afford to put our heads in the sand and ignore these issues.
While it is a parent’s job to guide their children safely to adulthood, many parents or caregivers do not have the necessary conversations about sex and sexuality with their children.
Parents and young people report a number of obstacles to open dialogue, including lack of knowledge and skills, as well as cultural norms and taboos.
There are also many children growing up with little or no parental support.
Schools, through the life orientation curriculum, therefore have a critical role to play in helping children and youth navigate their way through adolescence safely.
The aim of CSE and the new structured lesson plans is to help pupils build an understanding of concepts, content, values and attitudes around sexuality and sexual behaviour, as well as leading safe and healthy lives.
The Department of Basic Education has worked hard to develop a comprehensive curriculum that seeks to address real-world challenges faced by pupils in their day-to-day lives.
The global evidence base for CSE is significant and the Department of
Basic Education’s rigorous review of the literature found that CSE: ¡ Does not sexualise children. ¡ Does not increase sexual activity, sexual risk-taking behaviour or STI/ HIV infection rates.
On the contrary, CSE delays sexual debut and promotes safe sexual behaviour, increases knowledge of different aspects of sexuality and the risks of early and unintended pregnancy, HIV and other STIs.
¡ Decreases the number of sexual partners.
¡ Reduces sexual risk-taking. ¡ Increases use of condoms and other forms of contraception.
De Vos is one the Networking HIV and Aids Community of South Africa’s (Nacosa) programme directors and holds an MPhil in HIV and Aids management