By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a significant move towards enhancing the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in the school curriculum in the country, the Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL) concluded a one-day engagement with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) on Thursday, January 11, 2024. The engagement, held at the Directorate’s Office on New England Ville, Freetown, aimed to strengthen the implementation of CSE in the country’s education system.
Osman Kamara, the Director of Curriculum and Research at MBSSE, emphasized the importance of the engagement with PPASL in advancing the Comprehensive Sexuality Education integrated into the school curriculum. He highlighted the positive impact of CSE, now named Adolescent Health and Life Skills, in significantly reducing teenage pregnancy and child marriage rates since its integration.
Kamara emphasized that CSE goes beyond teaching about bodies; it empowers girls to make informed decisions, stand up for themselves, and address sexual assault issues.
Currently undergoing implementation in two pilot districts, Koinadugu and Pujehun, with support from UNFPA, the Ministry is actively engaging stakeholders, including PPASL, religious leaders, and local authorities. Kamara stressed the importance of training teachers to implement the curriculum effectively and recognized the potential of CSE in reducing teenage pregnancy.
Acknowledging the need for proper mechanisms to address reported cases of sexual harassment and abuse, Kamara emphasized that the engagement with PPASL is a crucial step towards successful curriculum implementation, securing endorsements from key leaders.
Kamara also addressed the debate about making CSE a standalone subject, stating that discussions with the Minister and the Chief Executive Officer of MBSSE will be initiated. He concluded by urging individuals involved in child abuse to cease their actions, warning of strict legal consequences.
Adolphus E. T. Beckley, the Volunteer Development Coordinator at PPASL, stressed the importance of CSE in empowering young individuals to understand their rights and bodies. Expressing dissatisfaction with the limited implementation in two districts, Beckley called for a nationwide rollout and pledged PPASL’s support in capacity building for teachers and key personnel.
Commending the Ministry for its commitment to implementing CSE, Beckley called for support from Principals, teachers, and parents. He reiterated PPASL’s dedication to assisting the Ministry in effective CSE program implementation through capacity building and advocacy efforts.
Beckley emphasized the significance of advocacy and education to dispel misconceptions and promote the benefits of CSE across Sierra Leone.
