Mooditj – Indigenous Australian sexuality education adapted for hilltribe youth of Northern Thailand: evaluation of delivery through a mixed-methods approach

ABSTRACT

‘Mooditj' known as ‘good' or ‘solid knowledge’ in Noongar language based in Western Australian, is an impact evaluated sexuality education program developed in 2002 by Sexual Health Quarters after an extensive consultation process with WA First Nations populations. The program uses interactive activities designed to educate 11–14–year–old First Nations youth about sexual health, life and relationship skills. In conjunction with local and Indigenous leaders within hilltribe communities, Borderless Friendship Foundation (BFF) and Borderless Friendship WA (BFWA) adapted the Mooditj training program to a hilltribe youth audience. Hilltribe people are the Indigenous culture of Thailand, typically living in remote villages that often have little to no electricity, access to safe water, health services or education. Hilltribe youth are at risk of entering the sex trade due to multiple vulnerabilities as a population and education is recommended to reduce risky sexual behaviours. This paper explores the acceptability of Mooditj program content and delivery to suit the cultural contexts and need of hilltribe communities.

KEYWORDS:

• Hilltribe
• Indigenous education
• sexuality relationships education
• health education
• hilltribe education
• sex education

Acknowledgements

All authors are passionate advocates for sexuality and rights-based education working in Whadjuk Noongar Country. One researcher identifies as Bard (West Kimberley) and Wardandi (Noongar, Southwest, Western Australia). The non-Indigenous researchers acknowledge that a ‘decolonisation of the self’ occurred in order to engage with, respect and honour Indigenous knowledge, the authors acknowledge their own personal and professional limitations (Krusz et al., 2020). The writers would like to acknowledge Thak, Yadow and Pramote Eua-amnuay, as co-facilitators of the Mooditj program, Borderless Friendship Foundation and the Mooditj Program for their excellent work and making this research possible.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jordina Quain

Jordina Quain is an advocate and educator of accessible comprehensive sexuality and relationships education. She has worked in the youth and disability sector for over 10 years, specialising in the development of sexuality resources/education for people with disability, CALD populations and alternative education settings. Raised regionally and identifying as a queer, disabled individual, Jordina is passionate about all forms of inclusion, intersectionality and co-design. Jordina is the Senior Policy Officer for Schools Sexual Health at the WA Department of Health.

Lorel Mayberry

Lorel Mayberry has been involved in relationship and sexuality education for four decades. Dr Lorel Mayberry lectured in the Department of Sexology. Lorel is the inaugural president of Borderless Friendship Western Australia which aims to enhance the lives of hill tribe children and young people. These young people are vulnerable – sex trafficking and illicit drugs are prolific. For many months a year, she lives in Northern Thailand working in partnership with Lahu, Karen and Akha people (hill tribe groups).

Amanda Sibosado

Amanda Sibosado is a Bard & Wardandi Aboriginal woman with over 16 years experience working in Aboriginal sexual health across Western Australia in health promotion, community education and coordination roles. Amanda has extensive experience facilitating the Mooditj Leader training and Mooditj with young people. Amanda began her work in research 3 years ago at Curtin University in the youth mental space utilising Participatory Action Research and co-design and is now completing her PhD through University of Queensland Poche Centre.

Giselle Woodley

Giselle Woodley is a PhD Candidate under the School of Arts and Humanities at Edith Cowan University and a researcher at Curtin University. Giselle is a sexologist and is particularly interested in reducing sexual violence through primary prevention and building skills such as respect, empathy, healthy relationships and communication. Giselle has experience working with young people locally and abroad. Giselle is a founding member of the organisation, Bloom-Ed, an advocacy group for Relationships and Sexuality Education.

Jacqueline Hendriks

Jacqueline Hendriks is a Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer at Curtin University, and Courses Coordinator of the Postgraduate Sexology Program. She holds managerial roles with The RSE Project, SiREN and CERIPH; and is currently Vice President of the Australian Association for Adolescent Health. She is a mixed methods researcher with a desire to learn from ‘hardly reached’ populations regarding sensitive issues. She is particularly focused on evidence-based delivery of comprehensive sexuality education across the lifespan and associated workforce development.