The Guruve District last month launched ‘teen days’ for youths aimed at educating them on sexual and reproductive health issues.
By Hamu Madzedze
The district’s AIDS coordinator Ganzani Ndungwa said they launched the teen days after realising the increase in teenage pregnancies and also the need to impart knowledge on HIV.
“Through the teen days youths are able to have a better understanding of the importance of abstinence and practising safer sex” said Ndungwa.
He also said through this programme, the youths are able to discuss the challenges they are facing when it comes to sexual and reproductive health issues.
Ndungwa added that teen days enable stakeholders to address the gaps in youths sexual and reproductive health programmes.
Meanwhile, St Phillips Magwenya High has out performed other schools in Guruve district through its guidance and counselling programme which has become a best practice.
The school’s guidance and counselling programme head of department, Alice Guvamombe said since they started the programme at the school there has been a decrease in teenage pregnancies.
‘The introduction of the programme has seen the number of pregnancies decreasing from four to two per year “said Guvamombe.
Guvamombe added that through guidance and counselling programme bullying has become a thing of the past and also students are able to discuss their sexual and reproductive health problems with counsellors at the school without fear.
‘If a student faces any problems be it social or economic we are able to offer counselling services “she said.
The head of department also said they are educating students on drug abuse and its effects.
Students at the school commended the guidance and counseling programme, Anesu Muperi (14) said as students they have been able to have a better understanding of sexual and reproductive health issues.
Another student, Carlton Sikatu (13) said through guidance and counselling he has learned the importance of abstinence and the dangers of indulging in sexual activities at an early age.
Zimbabwe launched the education strategy on life skills, sexuality, HIV and AIDS IN 2013 to ensure that the education sector supports all learners with access to correct information and life skills related sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, care, treatment and support.
