About AWARE'S Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)
The Comprehensive Sexuality Education 9CSE) was developed by the HIV/ AIDS sub-committee in AWARE in 2006 – 2007 in response to the growing number of young people who were being infected by STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), and HIV/ AIDS and the increasing number of teenage pregnancies. In the years, 2000 to 2005, the number of those with STIs for those aged between 10 and 19 rose from 184 to 526 and among teenage girls the figure rose by 3.4 times.
In order to understand this problem better, a Focus Group discussion was conducted at a post-secondary education institute. We learnt that they had received a lot of factual information, but did not have the skills to actually use this information. Of further concern was the fact that students got most of their information from three sources – the internet, friends and magazines. Given the potential risks inherent in sexual activity, we believe we owe it to young people to help them safeguard their own futures. A sexuality education programme was the best way to get accurate, reliable information to youths.
A literature review was carried out to examine the different kinds of sexuality programmes available both nationally and internationally. This included a review of the existing sex-education programme guide produced by MOE in Singapore. We found that research consistently showed when given accurate information, young people are more likely to make wise, realistic, and informed decisions. Some studies have found that young people who have been through comprehensive sexuality education have sexual intercourse later, and have fewer sexual partners. Given this information, AWARE went ahead and developed a comprehensive sexuality education programme, as it was proven to be effective in providing young women with the tools, knowledge, skills, attitude, and values to make responsible choices about their sexual health.
AWARE’s CSE Programme draws on established international programmes and has been developed over a course of a year in consultation with parents, youth social workers, teachers, and academics from a range of institutions. As with all other AWARE programmes, it has been through a rigorous process of internal and external auditing and pilot testing. This process has been a continuous one, and in June – July 2008, we reviewed the CSE Basic programme and made appropriate improvements based on trainer and student feedback.
A good CSE programme is much more than a simple sex education programme. A CSE programme empowers young women to develop a healthy and positive attitude towards sexuality. AWARE’s CSE programmes consists of a Basic and Advanced workshop which are each conducted by certified trainers for small groups of young women. Each workshop consists of games, role-play, discussions, and a presentation.
The workshops cover topics such as
- Information on STIs, HIV, and contraceptives
- Negotiation skills to resist peer pressure
- Clear communication skills
- Building healthy relationships
- Evaluating one’s needs and wants
The Instructors guide has exercises and games of different levels. The instructors would then, in consultation with the school modify the programme to best meet the needs of their students. AWARE also provided an opt out form for parents to sign, if they did not wish their children to attend the programme.
CSE has been conducted in various secondary schools and welfare homes in Singapore and is well respected as a responsible and appropriate approach to sexuality education. As of November 2008, the CSE programme had reached 12 different schools and welfare homes. It covered just under 500 students over 24 sessions. We have had several schools calling for repeat workshops, and have even had to turn some requests away because of insufficient trainers.
There have been concerns raised about the fact that the CSE programme is promoting homosexuality, or more specifically, lesbianism amongst our young girls. Homosexuality is a complex issue, and there is no consensus as to what causes it. What we do know is that many young women suffer in silence and in shame because they fear social ostracism. They may also engage in unprotected sex and are more likely to have sexual health problems. In teaching about sexual orientation, we are hoping to dispel myths with accurate information, and to protect young women from the risk of violence, discrimination, depression and self-destructive behaviors.
We have therefore chosen to list homosexuality as a neutral issue in an exercise which helps young women understand all the different aspects of their sexuality. The objective of this exercise is to help young women understand that their views are determined by culture, law, mass media, religion, peers and education, amongst others. At no point does the programme try to challenge existing values; it only helps people understand themselves better and be more aware when they take decisions. The ability to rationalize and think through their decisions is one that most parents would want their children to have.
Our programme has been well received by the students in Singapore. The majority rated the programme above-average or excellent.
Statements from students about what they learned from the workshop:
“The steps to protect myself during sexual activity.”
“How to say no to my boyfriend if he wants to have sex.”
“The risks of having sex.”
“We can say no to sex.”
“The consequences of having sex.”
“How to protect ourselves.”
“To practice safer sex.”
“What a healthy relationship is.”
“We have the right to say no and think twice.”
“I know how important it is to talk to be ready and talk to your boyfriend.”
From "before and after" surveys
Before our workshops:
- The majority of participants had average or less knowledge about sex and sexuality before the workshop.
- The top reasons participants think teenagers have sex are: “they want to experiment / they are curious”, “they want to share a close connection with their boyfriend / girlfriend”, and “their boyfriend / girlfriend pressures them to”.
- The top reasons participants think teenagers who have sex but do not use protection are: “they do not think it is important”, “they do not like using them”, “boyfriend / girlfriend does not want to use them”, and “they feel embarrassed to ask their boyfriend / girlfriend”.
- Of those who knew teen friends that were having sex, over 1/3 said protection was not used at all, while many others reported that protection was only used sometimes, or by some friends.
- The majority did not know where to go for confidential consultation with a doctor about sex.
- The majority did not know where to where to go for confidential, low-cost STI/pregnancy testing.
- The majority did not know where to get quality condoms.
- The majority did not know that there is no age requirement to purchase condoms.
- The majority did not feel comfortable talking to their partner or an adult about sex.
- The majority do not know how to use contraception.
After our workshops:
- Almost all of the students said they now knew more about sex and sexuality, the risks of engaging in sexual activity, and protecting themselves.
- Almost all believe they have the right information to protect their sexual health.
- Almost all understand the importance of proper communication, including “no means no”.
- Almost all feel more comfortable talking to their partners and adults about the topic of sex.
- Almost all know how to stay safe if they do decide to engage in sexual activity, and plan to be safe.
- Almost all know where to get safe, accurate information and protection.
- We believe Q10 may have been misunderstood due to the series of previous “yes” answers, and have reworded it for future evaluations.
- The majority rated the program above-average or excellent.
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