Sexuality Education in South Africa: Wedged within a Triad of Contradictory Values

Abstract

Few studies have investigated how teachers teach sexuality within the Outcomes-Based Life Orientation programme. This desktop review investigates sex and sexuality teaching practices in the classroom. First it gives a brief overview of the curriculum requirements for sexuality education. Secondly, it focuses on teachers and their capacity for teaching in this area, in particular the conflict between existing values and those needed. Thirdly, it addresses the methods used for their delivery of the curriculum. Finally, it addresses the issue of training, and the contextual barriers to the teaching of sexuality education. It appears that sexuality education in South Africa is wedged within a triad of policy, personal and community values.

Keywords:

• sexuality education
• HIV/AIDS
• curriculum
• South Africa