Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Educaids considers education as crucial to promote the Sexual and Reproductive Health for young people. For every new generation, for each girl or boy, education is a ‘window of opportunity’ for the improvement of peoples’ well-being and particularly for teaching on how to enjoy and claim a safe sexual and reproductive life. Education on SRHR takes place in various settings: through formal and non-formal education, but also for out of school children and youngsters. Effective education on sexuality has to be comprehensive, which means that no sensitive issues should be left out (intentionally or non-intentionally). In such Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), the curriculum is based on academically developed theory and practical research evidence. This information is clearly distinguished from cultural and normative points of view, which could also be of great influence on peoples’ choices. To be effective, CSE programmes must be based on behaviour change theories in which the analysis of (health) behaviour and needs of young people is guiding the structure and content of education programmes. Then, CSE has to state clearly that young people have to be able and make their own, informed choices with regards to -for instance- their relationships, sexual life and the use of contraceptives. Taking this right-based position implicates that CSE invites young people to actively participate in the lessons, and in the curriculum design, planning and implementation.
A CSE curriculum will cover issues like gender equality, body changes, life skills, marriage, family planning, pregnancy, diseases, prevention strategies and de-stigmatization and care.
Comprehensive and reliable information on prevention of sexual transmittable diseases (STI’s) must at least promote the ABC-approach (Abstain, Be faithful, Condomise), but preferably attention is also given to DEF+ (Delay first sexual intercourse, Equal consent, Fewer partners and Testing).