Question NW1756 to the Minister of Basic Education

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29 November 2016 - NW1756

Profile picture: Dudley, Ms C

Dudley, Ms C to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether her department has adopted or intends to adopt a policy or programme of comprehensive sexuality education in schools; if so, what are the relevant details regarding the implementation thereof?

Reply:

Yes, in line with the implementation of the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) Integrated Strategy on HIV, STIs and TB, 2012-2016, the DBE reviewed the 1999 National Policy on HIV/AIDS, for Learners and Educators in Public Schools, and Students and Educators in Further Education and Training Institutions and developed a new DBE National Policy on HIV, STIs and TB that aims to provide comprehensive sexuality education programme in schools. In addition, the Policy also seeks to create access to Sexual and Reproductive Health services to learners.

Sexuality education is implemented through Life Orientation as a subject in the curriculum, other programmes include HIV and AIDS Life Skills Education Programme and Peer Education Programme which support and strengthen the content of Life Orientation; as well as, Keeping Girls in School Programme - targeting mainly girls, and the Integrated School Health Programme which is conducted in partnership with the Departments of Health, Social Development, development partners and non-governmental organisations. In addition, the DBE is working with UNESCO to explore the online educator training on comprehensive sexuality education. Training is currently implemented in the Eastern Cape province and will be rolled out to other provinces in subsequent years.

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