[:en]With the new, nation-wide scale-up of comprehensive sexuality education integrated into primary and secondary schools, Zambia has seen a glaring need for resources to help improve delivery in the classroom. As part of addressing this gap, the Government of Zambia, in collaboration with UNESCO and UNFPA, supported the development and finalization of sexuality education learner and teacher books for grades 5-6 and 8-11.
Hundreds of participants who gathered to celebrate and launch the CSE textbooks Credit: Kennedy Kasaka/UNESCO
Government officials, UN agencies, development partners, teachers and learners from various schools held an event on Thursday, 12th May, 2016 at Lusaka’s Munali Boys Secondary School to officially launch the Life
Skills Based Comprehensive Sexuality Education learning and teaching material.
“The lack of information and knowledge is one of the reasons behind the high HIV prevalence rate among adolescents in the country,” said General Education Minister, Dr. John Phiri.
Dr. John Phiri, Minister of General Education, speaking to event participants. Credit: Kennedy Kasaka/UNESCO
Dr. Phiri called for the full utilization of the books by learners and teachers. He shared his appreciation to partners who contributed to its publication, specifically UNESCO, UNFPA, UNAIDS, UNICEF and Sida.
“These books will enhance implementation of comprehensive sexuality education in Zambia and contribute to better health outcomes for all adolescents and young people.”
“As learners and young people we are so delighted to witness the launch of comprehensive sexuality education learning and teaching materials. It will go a long way in addressing the information and knowledge gaps being faced by us, adolescents and young people,” said Chilala Kantung’uni, a grade 12 student from Munali Girls Secondary School.
The books have already been piloted in schools
across seven of Zambia’s 10 provinces: Luapula, North western, Eastern, Muchinga, Western, Copperbelt and Southern in 2015, reaching a total of 11,760 learners learners and 294 teachers in 36 schools.
“The United Nations continues to support the Zambian government in strengthening the sexuality education programs and reproductive health services,” said UNICEF Country representative Hamid El-Bashir Ibrahim, on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, Janet Rogan. “Together we are ensuring that young people will fulfill their potential and contribute positively to the development of Zambia.”
Chilala Kantung’uni, presenting to event participants, thanking the government and partners for the launch of the CSE textbooks Credit: Kennedy Kasaka/UNESCO
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