RH Workshops
Press Release about RH workshops in Lautoka and Nadi
27/5/2013 and 30/05/2013.
Topic: Talking about Sex
Many teachers and parents find it very challenging to talk to young people about matters relating to sexuality and reproduction. There has been recognition by both the Ministry of Health and Ministry of education that adolescent sexual and reproductive health is a priority for Fiji. The Ministry of Health in its National Reproductive Health Work Plan 2010 and 2011 pledged to collaborate with the Ministry of Education in strengthening the delivery of family life education program both at the primary and secondary school level.
A research paper on risk taking behaviour of secondary school children in Fiji about 5 years ago established that school children in Fiji have experimented with risk taking behaviour which leaves them vulnerable to serious health consequences. Often sexual risk taking behaviour is also associated with the use of alcohol and cigarette smoking.
For an adolescent girl an unplanned pregnancy can often be a life changing experience. Her education finishes prematurely. Her job opportunities are severely compromised and her sense of self worth is seriously damaged. For some this early behaviour continues and can have a devastating effect throughout their lives particularly in their relationship with their partner. Gender based violence and marital discord may be a consequence as well.
Sexuality is not just a biological function. It is an issue about self respect and respect for others. It is an issue about relationships, about friendships, about relating to the opposite sex and about being able to develop nurturing lifelong partnerships built on trust, mutual respect and growth.
The Ministry of Health has expressed concern about adolescent pregnancies with 10% of all births happening to teenage mothers. Sexually transmitted infections are also seen as a problem and these can occur due to unsafe sexual practices.
One of the strategies in preventative health is to educate the community about risk taking behaviour and how to minimize it. The Ministry of Education has developed an excellent family life education program. This program informs on biology but places great emphasis on the broader aspects of relationships. It informs about risk taking behaviour and provides strategies to avoid them.
The two workshops conducted in Lautoka at the YWCA hall on Monday 27th of May and in Nadi at Nadi college hall on Thursday, 30th of May are designed to strengthen school teacher’s ability to deliver the family life education program. This program is an initiative of the VSHC reproductive health program. The program is being funded by the European Union. The Reproductive Health program aims to empower rural women and girls about their reproductive health.
Viseisei Sai Health Centre (VSHC) works in close collaboration with the divisional medical officer western and has a memorandum with Ministry of Health Fiji. The medical directors of the health centre are both experienced clinical academics in reproductive health. VSHC is grateful to the European Union for making today’s program possible.
Here is the link to an article published in the Fiji Times on June 5th.
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=235957