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Large numbers of youth can be reached
efficiently at schools
- Family life education curricula
- School-based or linked
clinical services
- Training of instructors
and administrators
- Involvement of families
and community
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Photo: W. Finger/FHI
Slide 50
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Large numbers of youth can be reached efficiently at schools.
These programs should begin as early as possible for a number
of reasons. Since many youth drop out of school, and in many
places girls do not attend school as long as boys, appropriate
sex education in the early school years reaches more young people.
Keep in mind that these programs can be used in all types of
schools, including vocational, technical training and specialized
schools.
Reproductive health education curricula should ideally cover
sexuality, relationships, general health, self-esteem, communication
and negotiation skills. Reproductive health education has been
done through general health curricula, often called family life
education or FLE programs. This has advantages and disadvantages.
FLE programs can place reproductive health in the larger and
proper context of developmental issues. On the other hand, this
broader focus can result in diminished emphasis or a total deletion
of material on sexuality, fertility awareness and contraception.
In addition to sex education programs, some schools have on-site
or linked health clinics that provide such reproductive health
services as counseling and contraceptives. Linking sex education
programs to community services can be important. Other school-based
services include health screenings, public education campaigns,
and referrals to community-based youth programs and emergency
services. Training instructors and administrators in the curricula
and services makes these efforts more effective, as does involving
families and community leaders.
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