Question 175
Mr DC Smiles (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
Whether her department intends implementing the recent recommendations made in the new guidelines on sex education by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), if not why not; if so, (a) when, (b) to what extend will her department implement the recommendations in respect of five year old to eight year old children and (c) what consultation plans will be followed with parents?
Reply:
UNESCO’s International Guidelines on Sexuality Education is based on research in 87 countries and input provided by experts in specialised non-governmental organisation (NGOs) and other United Nations (UN) agencies. Education is recognised as one of the best weapons we have to reduce the HIV infection rate and to improving the sexual and reproduction health of young people across the world. Many young men and women do not have access to the knowledge that could help them make informed decisions about their bodies and their health.
These guidelines aim to fill this gap. The guidelines provide an explanation of what sexuality education is and why it is important to ensure that young people have access to it.
They are organised around six key concepts:
- Relationships
- Values, attitudes and skills
- Culture, society and law
- Human development
- Sexual behaviour
- Sexual and reproductive health.
Each topic is linked to learning outcomes for four age categories: 5 to 8 years, 9 to 12 years, 12 to 15 years and 15 to 18 years. The department will consider the guidelines and then determine if any of them will be adopted for South Africa. If any of the guidelines will have implications for our life skills or life orientation learning programmes the department will consult all relevant stakeholders in this regard.
Source: Department of Basic Education
