BSC chapter on sex education

[Guest guest]

Now: A chapter on sex education?

BHUBANESWAR: Putting an end to the prolonged debate on sex education

at the school level, the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) is set

to introduce a chapter on HIV/AIDS in High School curriculum from

the ensuing academic session.

Class-IX students will be taught about the killer disease, its

origin, symptoms, its effect on the human system and most

importantly how to prevent it. The chapter 18 of Science and

Technology subject exclusively deals with it.

It is no doubt a welcome move. Considering that four percent of

total AIDS affected population in the country are within the age

group of 14, education on the topic has become all the more

important. As per the 2000 census, the population of young boys and

girls in the age group of 10-19 is 22 crores.

But, certain sections of the society are sceptical about the move,

which also deals with 'unhealthy' sex practices among adults as well

as minors.

The teachers, students and parents might just not be prepared to

absorb the subject, which revolves around sex that still is

considered a taboo topic in the society, they argue.

The science teacher will have no problem to explain about the

necessity of marriage for procreation but at the right age. But he

might not feel easy to elaborate on illicit and immoral acts and on

activities that cause several diseases like AIDS, gonorrhoea and

syphilis.

The subject also deals with sex outside marriage and its social and

physical implications, use of condom for safe sex and how it

prevents contraction of HIV. The other thing the teachers may find

difficult to explain is about the sexual organs.

The importance of teaching the school students about AIDS is

absolutely necessary but it would be difficult for the teachers to

explain explicit things on sex. Many things also cannot be explained

without illustrations, said a high school teacher on condition of

anonymity.

Describing certain portions of the chapter as objectionable,

Minister of State for School and Mass Education Nagendra Pradhan

said the language could have been more refined and polished.

He replied in positive when asked if he would like to review the

chapter before the start of the next academic session.

Source : http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?

ID=IEQ20060420132852 & Page=Q & Title=ORISSA & Topic=-375

" Dr. Pradeep Kasar "

e-mail: <kasarpk@...>