By Ermiyas Males
Adolescents and young people go through many changes and into choices related to their health and relationships. Into this, they have access to what we may term as accurate info, which plays a very large role in making their decision. This is to such an extent that we see the value of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) put forward. Not only does it improve health, but it also supports in upholding the youth’s rights and overall welfare.
Cultural practices and government rules do not at present support universal access to CSE for all. Out of which, young people’s access to basic info is an issue. They are caught between what is taught in schools, which is often very little, and what is out there in the public, which is very much biased and filled with misinfo. To that end, what we see is that programs have to be flexible. In-school and out-of-school-based approaches must go hand in hand; we can’t leave any community out if we are to improve the health of our populations.
CSE greatly impacts young people’s lives. As they gain body awareness, relationship skills, and rights knowledge, which they do of that which is presented to them, they tend to report fewer risk behaviors. This education, in turn, increases their chance of protecting themselves from STIs, HIV, and unplanned pregnancies. By starting these talks early, we are building the base for healthy attitudes, which in turn promote respect, consent, and mutual understanding between peers. Also, well-run CSE programs put forth the basis for a healthy future self-image, which in turn raises confidence and information in our youth, which in turn helps them to better handle life’s issues.
A strong CSE program includes a wide range of key topics. It presents info on anatomy and puberty, which in turn helps young people to better understand what is going on in their bodies. Also, it looks at reproductive health, birth control, and STI prevention. As for issues like consent and developing healthy relationships, those are very important topics to cover. Also, we should include the promotion of gender equality, human rights,
and respect for different identities. Also, it is very much a part of a good sexual health education program to address mental health issues, body image, and the safe use of digital media related to sex.
Engagement in the process greatly improves learning. We see that what is put into practice, like role plays, group talks, and peer education, is very effective. These activities break down complex issues, which in turn make them easy to understand. Also, it is important that the materials we use are age-appropriate and that we take into account local culture. We are also seeing that the use of digital tools, apps, and online platforms broadens our reach to youth beyond the traditional classroom setting. Also, we present to the youth a safe space to ask questions and explore many topics at their own pace.
Parents and guardians are key players in this process. They can help break down taboos and build trust. Also, schools may put together family workshops or info nights related to sex education issues. Also in play is the role of community leaders, which, if won over, will in turn support the program’s growth. When we have buy-in from what the community looks up to, trust is built, which in turn, young people get the consistent
and respectful info and support they need.
Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is best integrated into the core curriculum, which in turn makes it a routine part of what is taught. We must see to it that teachers are well-trained to handle sensitive issues with confidence. Also, we must empower them to create safe and inclusive environments for these discussions. What we also put forth is the idea of flexibility; schools may set aside dedicated times for CSE, or they may
include these elements in related fields like health or social studies. In the end, we are aimed at normalizing sex education and promoting respect.
Many of the young people out of school also need sex education. In terms of the youth clubs, community centers, and non-government organizations, we have very good resources to reach the adolescent population. Also, we see the role for mobile outreach teams and peer educators in connecting with youth in rural and weather-disadvantaged areas. Also, we are to work with health clinics, which will help in the health service and counseling referrals, which in turn will increase access, and also we won’t leave any child behind.
International at large, what the UN bodies like UNESCO report is the value of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). It is of great importance that countries put in place policies that support rights-based and stigma-free programs. But we do see that legal issues and what is accepted within certain circles are an issue that puts the brakes on that. Some laws that we have in place put a cap on what can be discussed, which is very narrow in scope, and also, we have what promotes what is false info. To address these issues and to see that young people’s rights are protected, we need to put in place very clear policies and also put out what is right.
How do we preserve tradition at the same time that we make available important information? A good strategy is to tailor curricula to the local context. Also, put in early on to work with religious and community leaders, which can turn out to be very supportive rather than opposing forces. When they see the value in what we are doing, they are more likely to support inclusive education.
Many CSE (Sexual and Reproductive Health) programs report to have issues with resource allocation and staff training. We see that the use of digital tools and open-access resources, which are available free of cost, can greatly reduce costs and at the same time increase our audience to include more youth. Also, we need to partner with NGOs and the government as we seek out sustainable funding. To create programs that will last, we must pay attention to the sustainability aspect, which in turn will help us bring about large-scale change.
Misinformation related to sex issues is very much a feature in the digital age that we live in. We must put out accurate information that is founded in fact. Also, we do well to create spaces that are supportive and non-judgmental, which in turn will get youth to come forward with questions and have those tough talks. Also, we may see what breaks down negative attitudes and what, in turn, puts a stop to discrimination.
In the case of Brazil, we see that school-based CSE programs put forth initiatives that focus on gender equality and health, which in turn lead to better awareness of STIs and increased condom use among teens. Also in South Africa, we note that it has put in place outreach initiatives, which include peer educators and mobile clinics that do a great job of reaching youth in rural areas. There is also a report of better results in terms of higher use of contraception and a drop in unintended pregnancies.
Ermiyas Meles is a NAYA Youth Advocate
