The impact of compulsory sexuality education on students’ discipline in selected public secondary schools of Kitwe district.

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Date
2023
Authors
Kamangu, Lynette Chitalu
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Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Across the world, there are many different names for, and approaches to, Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). The objective of CSE is to ensure that young people are receiving comprehensive, life skills-based sexuality education to gain the knowledge and skills to make conscious, healthy and respectful choices about relationships and sexuality. The study’s general objective was to assess the effect of provision of compulsory sexuality education materials on students’ attitudes or behavior towards sexuality in Kitwe district. Nevertheless, the study was guided by the following specific objectives: to assess the effectiveness of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education curriculum on behavior and attitude of learners towards sexuality in schools; to find out the perception of learners on learning Comprehensive Sexuality Education in schools; and to establish if there is any relationship between comprehensive sexuality education materials provided in schools and the reduction/increase in sexuality related illnesses. The research was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. A questionnaire and a focused group discussion guide were used to collect data from learners, while an interview guide was used for teachers and DEBS. For data analysis the software SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data in order to obtain frequencies, percentages and tables. The software QDA miner lite was used to analyze qualitative data in order to organize themes for easy interpretation. In line with the objectives and findings of the study, the researcher concluded that CSE has a great impact on learners and influences learners’ attitude and behaviour towards sexuality. Findings regarding learning of CSE revealed that it was mainly through lessons in the classroom and it is integrated in other subjects in the school curriculum. Other methods of learning where demonstrations, role-plays, drama and discussions during safe club meetings. This idea is contrary to what Ionesco pointed out that in some countries, sexuality education taught as a stand-alone subject by a range of teachers including those responsible for it or Biology, Health, Home/Family living. The strategy of teaching sexuality education as a stand-alone subject ensures that competing priorities do not prevent it from being taught in totality. Concerning the perception of learners and teachers on the teaching and learning of CSE, the study revealed positive perception. Many respondents, in all respondent categories, viewed it as very helpful, despite popular views that it was promoting sexual immorality among learners. They argued that it promoted knowledge on HIV/AIDS and prevention of teenage pregnancy among other issues and that it should continue being taught in schools. The study concluded that although there was significant positive impact on vii learners’ level of knowledge about CSE, there was little impact on behavior change among learners in Kitwe district. Based on the research findings it was recommended that CSE should be taught as a standalone subject and that teachers be trained in the subject to improve quality of service delivery. In addition, parents need to be oriented on the content of CSE in order to give them right information regarding
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Keywords
Comprehensive sexuality education. , Sex instruction for youth--Zambia. , Comprehensive Sexuality Education--Zambia.
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