Stakeholder perceptions and attitudes towards sexual and reproductive health education in Namibia

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education is one way Namibia combats HIV/AIDS. This exploratory study had two objectives: to investigate attitudes and perceptions towards sex education, and to see what purpose sex education serves in Namibia. To what extent do stakeholders support sex education in Namibia? What kind of obstacles exists to SRH education in Namibia? We believe that knowing how people perceive sex education is necessary for implementing and fine‐tuning SRH programmes. Eighteen focus group discussions and eight key informant interviews were used to assess SRH education issues. There was broad support for SRH education among stakeholders. Teachers have very little training in SRH education; some are reportedly uninspiring while Namibia suffers from a paucity of teaching materials. SRH teachers would like active parental support, but many parents are suspicious of schools teaching SRH and do not have an idea what to do. There is need for the students to be graded in sex education for them to value it more. Namibia should also invest more in training SRH teachers.