Implementation of any new program in schools takes at least three to five years. Patience is required in the change process. When teachers or health workers try to master new skills, there is often an initial dip in proficiency, followed by improvement and mastery. Too often policymakers, planners and evaluators attempt to measure changes as a result of innovations too early in the experiment learning phase. Dedicating adequate time and resources to the process affects the success of implementation and ultimately the impact of the program.
Effective programs provide teachers with training in the use of the health curriculum.
In many countries it is possible to select from existing curricula and make minor adaptations to meet local needs. By exploring and clarifying their values through debates and discussions, students are able to reflect on the implications of their sexual decisions and the attitudes and values that influence them. This clarification can help equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to negotiate safer sex. Skill building . Many existing programs are information-based and focus on anatomy, the biology of reproduction and symptoms of STDs.