Catch them young: Assessment of implementation of sexuality education for very young adolescents aged between 10 and 14 years in Lilongwe, Malawi
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Date
2020-10-01
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Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Despite the introduction of sexuality education (SE) in primary schools in Malawi,
a significant number of very young adolescents still experience early marriages, high teenage
pregnancies and high school drop-outs. The extent to which SE is being provided is not known.
This study aimed at assessing implementation of SE in rural primary schools in Lilongwe District.
This was a qualitative case study, which purposively selected three schools with
registered high school drop-out numbers due to teenage pregnancies in Chowo Education Zone.
We conducted 12 Focus Group Discussions with very young adolescents aged between 10-14
years, 20 parents and 8 religious/traditional leaders. We also conducted in-depth interviews with
12 teachers, to explore their perception towards sexuality education. In addition, we reviewed
Education and Curriculum documents and conducted classroom observations. We used thematic
content approach to analyze all the collected data.
Most very young adolescents knew sexuality as boy/girl sexual relationships, and
described the importance of SE in prevention of early pregnancy and sexually transmitted
infections. However, some out of school Very Young Adolescents (VYAs) expressed lack of
knowledge about sexuality issues. There were mixed reactions on how study participants perceived
SE provided in primary schools; Some participants supported the teaching of SE in schools while
others, mostly traditional and religious leaders felt SE in schools is not culturally and age
appropriate. During classes, most teachers were observed to be uncomfortable in teaching SE; they
lamented the lack of skills and resources, culture, religion as barriers to effective implementation
of SE. Comprehensive sexuality education in Chowo education zone is not implemented
according to the International Technical Guidance for Sexuality Education, 2018. Comprehensive
sexuality education curriculum available in the country is a good opportunity for improvement.