Sex education is not officially taught in schools in T&T because there isn't a comprehensive approach or the professionals available. An Aids-free generation is the message for this year's commemoration of World Aids Day.
The T&T Guardian spoke with a few stakeholders who gave what they believe are the reasons for a long overdue sex education programme in the nation's schools. The HIV infection rate now stands at four infections daily. It is not known what per cent of that accounts for teens. (See Page A31 for more)
ministry of education
Minister of Education, Dr Tim Gopeesingh said some of the blame lies with the curriculum department of his ministry.
In a telephone interview, he expressed his disappointment with the slow pace at which the department was moving in developing a well-structured sex education programme for schools.
"They have failed to put together a programme which is urgently needed in our schools," said Gopeesingh.
But he was quick to point out that after many discussions and meetings, the department was finally getting things off the ground. It is working to revise the Primary Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) programme, which will include sex education for primary schools. At secondary level, HFLE will fall under social studies.
Gopeesingh also said the department is working with the UN Family Planning Association (UNFPA) and the local FPA.
"It is going to be a multifaceted approach so that at the end of it, our young people will be better informed, thus become better decision makers," said Gopeesingh.
According to the Ministry's Web site, the programme focuses on the development of life skills for psycho-social competence. It will target four main themes as mandated by Unicef in conjunction with the Caricom Secretariat.
�2 Self and Interpersonal Relationships
�2 Sexuality and Sexual Health
�2 Eating and Fitness
�2 Managing and Environment
rapport
The Rapport Youth Centre, currently the youth arm of the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA), provides a number of youth-based programmes including sex education.
When the T&T Guardian visited its Arima office last Wednesday for the celebration of its 12th anniversary, an HIV/AIDS awareness outreach session was in full swing.
Faithlyn Ouckama, centre assistant and peer-educator Jameela Ollivierre Johnson said the centre–which also has branches in Port-of-Spain and San Fernando–conducts year-round activities and programmes targeted at youths. It also spearheads four main events: Carnival celebrity talk, Rapport adolescent programme, Rap camp and its special WAD activities which involves HIV/Aids testing, drama presentations, workshops, health talks and group counseling. Ouckama and Johnson emphasised Rapport's main message to the youth is abstinence. "We preach abstinence in the first instance. But we are also realistic and practical about the fact that our teenagers are having sex, therefore when we have an outreach session and questions are asked about certain things, we must be able to provide answers," said Johnson.
However, she related most times the organisation has to tailor its approach during sessions at schools based on the schools' guidelines and policies.
"We find this a lot coming from the denominational schools which are very particular about the topics we discuss with the children. But I wish they could be more objective about it, because whether we teach them or not, they are going to find out somehow and our job is to ensure they make informed decisions and choices relating to sex."
The representatives believe although there is not an official sex ed programme in schools, there is a sea of information available on HIV/Aids, put forward by similar advocacy groups, NGOs and organisations, but a "head in the sand syndrome" exists where people still don't think it can happen to them. Another centre assistant Wanda Thomas, highlighted another problem was getting parents to become more involved in sex education with their children.
"We have had sessions where the parents are invited and out of 30 students only three or four parents will show up."
TTUTA
The T&T Unified Teachers' Association (TTUTA) admits teachers are not ready to administer sex education in schools. TTUTA treasurer Gewan Durga told the T&T Guardian teachers will welcome it once they are equipped with the right tools. "Right now, teachers aren't trained to teach this topic. Therefore sex education in schools must be a collaborative effort among all stakeholders and professionals working for and with children. There can be no ad hoc approach, otherwise we will be doing more damage than good," Durga said. He said TTUTA was aware of the urgent need for a viable sex education programme in schools and will soon host a seminar to address the issue.
UWI
?
At UWI St Augustine, a health fair is held annually to commemorate World Aids Day. Dr Neil Singh, head of the Health Service Unit said the unit collaborates with NGOs and other organisations every December 1, to provide students with HIV/Aids awareness information and general sexual health. The campus health centre offers workshops on sexual health, family planning, free HIV/Aids and other STI testing, pap smears, vaccination, counseling and breast examinations.
Singh said the centre was initiated on campus because while it attracted a very intelligent but highly sexually active population. He said since the programme started seven years ago, more than 2,000 students had been tested for HIV and only two were found to be positive.
A survey on campus found only 30 per cent of students used condoms and of that 30 per cent, condom use was not consistent. The Faculty of Medical Sciences at Mt Hope has also developed an HIV/AIDS training centre involved in prevention of HIV/Aids and support.