Enhancing School-Based Sexuality Education in Rural Areas of South Africa: Educators’ Perspectives

Ailwei Edwin  Mavhandu; Ayobami Precious  Adekola; Azwidohwi Philip  Kutame; Azwihangwisi Helen  Mavhandu-Mudzusi

doi:10.36941/jesr-2022-0115

Authors

Ailwei Edwin Mavhandu Faculty of Education, University of Zululand, Corner Guldengracht & 2 Cent Cir, Road, Richards Bay, 3900, South Africa
Ayobami Precious Adekola Institute for Gender Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Azwidohwi Philip Kutame Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Education, University of Zululand, Corner Guldengracht & 2 Cent Cir, Road, Richards Bay, 3900, South Africa
Azwihangwisi Helen Mavhandu-Mudzusi Department of Health Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2022-0115

Keywords:

learner, perceptions, senior phase, Sexuality Education, teacher

Abstract

Sexuality Education aims to reduce teenage pregnancies and other consequences of risky sexual practices such as sexually transmitted infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among young people. This descriptive-explorative study explored and described how teachers in the senior phase at Soutpansberg West Circuit, South Africa perceived Sexuality Education in their schools. Ten purposively recruited teachers in the research setting were individually interviewed in 2019. The collected data were thematically analysed. The research findings revealed the teachers’ perceived benefits of Sexuality Education, the barriers to Sexuality Education and impact of Sexuality Education on senior level learners in the study setting. Furthermore, it emerged that teachers used different approaches such as lectures, questions and answers, class discussions, and targeted individuals to facilitate Sexuality Education lessons in their schools. This study recommends the provision of support to teachers through training, access to relevant curriculum resources, as well as the monitoring and evaluation of Sexuality Education programmes in the study setting.?

Received: 29 November 2021 / Accepted: 29 June 2022 / Published: 5 July 2022