Taking responsibility for sex education

“The continued high rate of teenage pregnancy, tells us that we are losing the battle of HIV and AIDS,” said department of education district manager Thembinkosi Vilakazi.

She was speaking at the Pioneer Foods ResponsibleMe stakeholders’ event at Stanger High School on Friday.

Vilakazi said as much as children are being taught about HIV and the importance of practicing safe sex, children still lack the ability to make decisions for themselves.

“We welcome and support the Pioneer Foods ResponsibleMe programme, because it is assisting the department in creating awareness among teachers and pupils,” said Vilakazi.

She said a disciplined child would abstain from sex, and this was the first prize. Only if a child failed to be self-disciplined, should he or she condomise.

There are ten schools within the Ilembe District that are part of the ResponsibleMe HIV and AIDS awareness programme.

This event was the first opportunity for the pupils and teachers to provide feedback and progress reports to the education department, the programme organisers as well as the corporate sponsor, Pioneer Foods.

ResponsibleMe programme manager Martin Plaatjies told teachers, pupils and schools governing body members: “We are all HIV positive until we test negative.”

The ResponsibleMe programme, empowers the youth to make informed decisions regarding their health and sexual behaviour.

Through the sharing of social skills and scientific knowledge the programme addresses the misconceptions surrounding HIV by educating school pupils and teachers on how to prevent transmission and how to manage one’s health when HIV positive. The comprehensive programme is delivered over a four year period.

Representing Pioneer Foods, Lulu Khumalo said the most vulnerable members of our society are the children, they have the least experience and need to develop capabilities with which to handle life’s general pressures.

“As they are the focal point of the family unit and our hope for a healthier future, it is critical to concentrate our efforts on them,” said Khumalo.