LASG SCALES UP SEXUALITY EDUCATION AMONGST YOUTH

The Lagos State Government in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has organized a three-day capacity building program for teachers to ensure that school-aged and out-of-school children receive sex education. dissemination of a comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) curriculum and use of a teaching manual.

The program held today at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Alausa attracted participants from Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education and Training Board (LASTVEB), State Technical Colleges, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) and skill acquisition centers across the state.

In her welcome address, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu said, “This program aims to equip students with knowledge, attitudes, skills and values. It provides young people with accurate and age- adequate information about sexuality and sexual and reproductive health, which is essential for their health and survival.

“The training is based on the established curriculum, scientifically accurate, adapted to different ages and comprehensive, as it covers several topics of sexuality and sexual reproductive health throughout childhood and adolescence. It contains eight modules and 28 topics, structured into a framework covering human development, sexual health, relationships, sexual behaviour, society and culture”.

According to Oke-Osanyintolu, who was represented by Adewunmi Ogunsanya, the Director of Administration and Human Resources of the Ministry, a review of the curriculum to ensure that CSE is relevant and meets the needs of the youth in the society was deemed necessary in 2022 when it has changed. . it is appropriate to change some vocabulary and take into account emerging issues between young people and disabled people, so that no one is left behind.

On her part, the head of UNFPA Lagos Liaison Office, Alexandrine Danzogbo, disclosed that the organization has decided to collaborate with Lagos State to assist in the implementation of the CSE programme.

Danzogbo urged the participants to further disseminate information on CSE in their sphere of influence, saying, “This collaboration between UNFPA and MYSD will help strengthen the knowledge and expertise of teachers on this issue. The achievement of the revised Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is a landmark. By expanding the program to people with disabilities, they want to make sure no one is left behind.

Oshikoya Adekemi, the deputy director of the Department of Development Partnerships at the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, said in her speech that comprehensive sex education is a success story because it has positively influenced many young people who did not know what they know now about sexuality.

“UNFPA’s role as a long-term partner in sexuality education work is commendable here,” she added.