Currently Rwanda is discussing the need of bringing back sex education to school curriculums in response to massive increase in teen pregnancy for the past several years. With sex education, students can be taught safe sex practices and about sexually transmitted diseases. There are also talks of making condoms accessible at schools.
Education experts have stated that the lack of sex education is causing students to have sex starting from a young age. It is essential for them to understand the risks of unsafe sex in order to keep girls in schools and the number of teen pregnancies low.
A recent scandal arose at Groupe Scolairie Nsinda, a school in Rwamagana district that caused the government to rethink their approach on sex education. There has been a report of 26 teen pregnancies at this single school, which ultimately lead to the head teacher being suspended. This immediately called into question why teen pregnancy is on the rise in Rwanda and what can be done to prevent it?
Students have voiced their frustrations that nobody talks to them about the consequences of unsafe, premarital sex until it is too late. In most cases, it is the young females who have bear the burden of a lack of sex education. If they are unable to afford an abortion, they end up being rejected by their family and friends. It will also ultimately threaten the process of completing their education. To prevent young teens from having sex, parents and teachers have to come forward and talk on the subject. Schools are especially pushing for a revival of sex education.
“We are dealing with adolescents who are faced with many challenging situations that might lead them into early sex, unwanted pregnancies, abortion and all the associated consequences. We shouldn’t shy away anymore from discussing these issues with them and prepare them for a bright future,” said Edith Birungi, a teacher at Kigali Christian School Kibagabaga.
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