FEEDBACK

14 year-old Pholile Matsentjwa says…

“Concerning the introduction of AIDS and sexuality activities in schools, I think it is a good idea. Students should be taught about the AIDS pandemic since people are dying of this disease, which means they need to know about HIV/AIDS- they must know how one gets infected and how one can prevent it.”

“The Strategy is a good and focused intervention as it seeks to address HIV/AIDS among the high risk group- the in-school population. For it to be a success, it must be implemented in a collaborative approach by all key players” – Teacher (Mbabane)

Thandi Dlamini - Parent says…

“This approach will be a success. Parents will accept it because they have experienced a lot of AIDS related deaths in our families and communities. In-class discussions will complement what parents say- it will be easier for parents to discuss sexuality issues with their children.”

17 year-old Sethu Dlamini says…

“ We have a lot of questions relating to sex, that we would’nt dare ask our mothers about. The minute you ask your parents about sex issues they are quick to think you are already having sex and that is such a put off. So talking to our teachers could help. But they too should avoid reacting like our parents, because if their reaction is the same, no child will want to talk to them. Otherwise this could be a lot of fun.”

POSTPONING SEX

This massage is directed especially to teenagers between the ages 10-19.

Falling pregnant at this stage may cause a lot of problems in the life of a teenage school going girl because it may have a negative impact in the girl’s future. Pregnancy causes you to drop out of school and ruin your career before it even starts. Due to pregnancy you may end up being something you have not planned, such as a person struggling to earn whatever little you can. Would you want to sacrifice a bright future for sex?

A teenage Mother.

Many teenage mothers say pregnancy can lead one to do things out of desperation, things like abortion. In many cases pregnant teenagers put any sharp objects in their uterus, or even drink harmful drugs or strong herbs just to get rid of the pregnancy. Abortion is a very dangerous thing and may cause one never to have children when you want them. It may also result in death. It is also against the laws of this country, which means you can be put in prison for abortion.

This is why it is better to say “No to sexual intercourse” until you are mature, independent, employed and ready to take responsibility for the baby.

A story adolescents could learn from:

Nolwazi* a school going girl, used to go out with a lot of different guys. Every day you would see her with different guys especially bus conductors. Nolwazi fell pregnant and managed to have an abortion. After this she went back to her old ways. She fell pregnant again. Everyone at school knew she was pregnant and was almost expelled. She was not because her mom talked to the Principal and she was allowed to seat for exams. It turned out she got a third class. She dropped out of school and now lives with the father of her baby who has very little to offer her because he is not interested in her needs.

If you do not believe in postponing sex, you might end up like Nolwazi, uneducated and dependent on men who will not support you with anything.