Teachers’ and pupils’ views on teaching of comprehensive sexuality education in selected secondary schools in Chingola district, Zambia.
Date
2019
Authors
Bwendo, Margaret
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The study investigated the views of teachers and pupils on teaching of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in three selected secondary schools in
Chingola District. The objectives of the study were; to investigate teachers and pupils’ views on the teaching of comprehensive sexuality education, to establish the benefits of the teaching of comprehensive sexuality education, and to ascertain the challenges faced by teachers and pupils in the teaching of comprehensive sexuality education in three selected secondary schools in Chingola District. The study employed a qualitative approach using a descriptive research design. A total sample of 39 participants consisting of 9 teachers and 30 pupils was drawn from three selected government secondary schools in Chingola District. Data were collected through interview guides and focus group discussion. Analysis of data was done through the use of themes.
The findings of study revealed that some teachers and pupils’ were against the teaching of comprehensive sexuality education in schools. Such teachers complained that they were not consulted in the implementation, while pupils’ were reticent out of shyness due to cultural beliefs which had conflicting interests with the teaching of comprehensive sexuality education. However, other teacher’s supported the provision of comprehensive sexuality education in schools. They argued that CSE would yield useful information and skills essential to the prevention of the spread of HIV and AIDS and STIs among others. Regarding the benefits of teaching comprehensive sexuality education in schools, the study revealed that it provided information and skills in protection against HIV infection and other sexual health problems, preparing learners to live a productive life in the society, methods of preventive measures, how to live with people with HIV and AIDS, reduce rates of unwanted pregnancies, reduces rates of contracting sexual transmitted infections. As for challenges faced by the teachers and pupils in the teaching of comprehensive sexuality education in the sample schools, the study showed shortage of trained teachers, lack of teaching equipment, lack of funds, negative attitudes from parents, lack of sensitization of the general public, lack of support from parents and overcrowding.
Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that teachers must be trained in comprehensive sexuality education; conduct more sensitisation campaigns on comprehensive sexuality education to enlighten parents on the need of comprehensive sexuality education and government to develop human capacity for quality delivery of comprehensive sexuality education in schools.
Description
Thesis of Master of Education in Sociology of Education