What teachers say about sex education
Apr 01, 2008
THERE are two approaches to sex education in primary schools. The first one is through the subject of health science, which covers topics on sexuality like human reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases. The second approach is through The Presidential Initiative on AIDS Strategy for Communicat
By Stephen Ssenkaaba
THERE are two approaches to sex education in primary schools. The first one is through the subject of health science, which covers topics on sexuality like human reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases. The second approach is through The Presidential Initiative on AIDS Strategy for Communication to Youth. Under this programme, pupils are taught about HIV/AIDS, abstinence and the risks involved in unprotected sex. However, this programme is not part of the school curriculum.
There is also another programme called ‘Talking Compounds’ under which schools display posters and signposts carrying messages on HIV/AIDS and early pregnancies around the school compound.
Below is what the teachers think about sex education;
John Bwengye, headteacher Skymark Primary School, Busega.
Schools should offer sex education because it helps to address the curiosity many pupils have about sex and sexuality. Other than finding out from their peers who may mislead them, it is better that pupils learn about sexuality from credible sources through sex education. However, schools need to break down the subject into understandable components that are not offensive. The Government should also come up with a policy on sex education to guide the teachers.
Margaret Atim, headteacher,
Mary Hill High School, Mbarara
Sex education has always been part of the curriculum. Even in primary schools, it is addressed through the science subjects. The only problem is that it has not been given a practical approach. Sex education should be related to daily life so that students can understand it better.
John Male, science teacher, Cornerstone Community Primary School, Ggaba
Sex education is crucial because many pupils are exposed to a lot of misleading information. The most proper way to teach pupils about sexuality is through an organised classroom environment. The subject also needs to be taught by trained teachers and according to levels, for instance PI pupils cannot be taught the same material as P6 or P7 pupils.
Raphael Bwire Ouma, headteacher, Kalinabiri Secondary School.
Sex education is necessary. But if the Government does not come up with a syllabus to be followed, it may not be very effective in schools. Sex education should be taught as an independent subject. Integrating it into other subjects may compromise its content and effectiveness.
Although the Presidential Initiative on AIDS Strategy for Communication to Youth has helped raise awareness, it is implemented as a co-curricular activity and, in many schools, it is overtaken by academic subjects.
Aggrey Kibenge, the Ministry of Education spokesperson
Sex education is covered within the content of some of the subjects taught in schools. In Biology and Science, issues on sexuality and reproductive health are covered.
The Ministry of Education also puts emphasis on HIV/AIDS awareness in schools. Under this programme, students are taught about sexuality and reproductive health.
The programme addresses all matters concerning sexuality and HIV/AIDS. It also covers life skills, values and knowledge dissemination on responsible living and empowerment of youth. After its successful implementation in primary schools, the Government is now extending the programme to post-primary level.
THERE are two approaches to sex education in primary schools. The first one is through the subject of health science, which covers topics on sexuality like human reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases. The second approach is through The Presidential Initiative on AIDS Strategy for Communication to Youth. Under this programme, pupils are taught about HIV/AIDS, abstinence and the risks involved in unprotected sex. However, this programme is not part of the school curriculum.
There is also another programme called ‘Talking Compounds’ under which schools display posters and signposts carrying messages on HIV/AIDS and early pregnancies around the school compound.
Below is what the teachers think about sex education;
John Bwengye, headteacher Skymark Primary School, Busega.
Schools should offer sex education because it helps to address the curiosity many pupils have about sex and sexuality. Other than finding out from their peers who may mislead them, it is better that pupils learn about sexuality from credible sources through sex education. However, schools need to break down the subject into understandable components that are not offensive. The Government should also come up with a policy on sex education to guide the teachers.
Margaret Atim, headteacher,
Mary Hill High School, Mbarara
Sex education has always been part of the curriculum. Even in primary schools, it is addressed through the science subjects. The only problem is that it has not been given a practical approach. Sex education should be related to daily life so that students can understand it better.
John Male, science teacher, Cornerstone Community Primary School, Ggaba
Sex education is crucial because many pupils are exposed to a lot of misleading information. The most proper way to teach pupils about sexuality is through an organised classroom environment. The subject also needs to be taught by trained teachers and according to levels, for instance PI pupils cannot be taught the same material as P6 or P7 pupils.
Raphael Bwire Ouma, headteacher, Kalinabiri Secondary School.
Sex education is necessary. But if the Government does not come up with a syllabus to be followed, it may not be very effective in schools. Sex education should be taught as an independent subject. Integrating it into other subjects may compromise its content and effectiveness.
Although the Presidential Initiative on AIDS Strategy for Communication to Youth has helped raise awareness, it is implemented as a co-curricular activity and, in many schools, it is overtaken by academic subjects.
Aggrey Kibenge, the Ministry of Education spokesperson
Sex education is covered within the content of some of the subjects taught in schools. In Biology and Science, issues on sexuality and reproductive health are covered.
The Ministry of Education also puts emphasis on HIV/AIDS awareness in schools. Under this programme, students are taught about sexuality and reproductive health.
The programme addresses all matters concerning sexuality and HIV/AIDS. It also covers life skills, values and knowledge dissemination on responsible living and empowerment of youth. After its successful implementation in primary schools, the Government is now extending the programme to post-primary level.