Out of 132 million population in Bangladesh - 24 million are adolescents. One third of them are in secondary schools. Increase in age at marriage, rapid urbanization, and increased opportunities for socialization have increased the risk of unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. However, the school curriculum does not contain courses on sex education. Studies suggest major sex education needs among adolescents. Sex education at the adolescence stage is believed to be sensitive. Hence no significant initiative has been taken to bridge the knowledge gap. This paper describes the findings and lessons learned from a pilot project where a package of interventions was tested. These were: a) created a supportive environment for the adolescents at the family, community and school level, b) developed a sex education curriculum and behavioral change communication materials, c) motivated and trained teachers to conduct sex education sessions in secondary schools, d) established telephone hotline and postbox facilities, and e) introduced convenient hours at the clinic. Students of class eight and nine from nine schools were targeted for the interventions. A total of 2000 adolescents were included in the intervention program. The findings of the study indicated that providing sex education at the adolescence stage is not as sensitive as believed. No objection raised by the parents about the sex education. Adolescents actively participated in the activities. So far 300 adolescents came to the clinic for services. School and out-of-school adolescents extensively used telephone hotline services and the postbox.
Learning Objectives: Sex education for adolescents can be introduced within the existing school curriculum in Bangladesh.
Keywords: Education, Sexual Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.