UNESCO’s latest statistics reveal that only 34 % of young people around the world can demonstrate accurate knowledge of HIV prevention and transmission and that two out of three girls in some countries have no idea of what is happening to them when they begin menstruating. These are some of the reasons why there is an urgent need for quality comprehensive sexuality education.

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) promotes health and well-being, respect for human rights and gender equality, and empowers children and young people to lead healthy, safe and productive lives.

Under the purview of the Outreach Unit, the Batticaloa Service Delivery Point coordinated and delivered a Comprehensive Sexuality Education Workshop for students belonging to Nahjathul Islamic Arabic College in Valaichchenai on the 7th of July 2018 which saw the participation of over 240 students and 25 teachers.

(Resource Personnel: Dr.STM. Najeebkan (MOH- KPC Valaichchenai), Mr. AMM.Anees ( PHI - MOH Oddamavady and Mr.SH.Imthiyas ( Manager - FPA Batticaloa)

The Advocacy Unit also carried out CSE programmes at the Vocational Training Center in Batticaloa and at Rahula Balika Vidyalaya in Malabe in the month of July.

FPA Sri Lanka’s CSE sessions provide children and young people with age-appropriate education on human rights, gender equality, relationships, reproduction, sexual behavior risks and prevention of ill health. It also provides an opportunity to present sexuality with a positive approach, emphasizing values such as respect, inclusion, non-discrimination, equality, empathy and responsibility.